i^-<'-  iA'''/*^ 


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JOHN  A.  SEAVERNS 


*%?, 


■^TT*?**  >   .t»A 


( 


MANNING'S 

HO^SE  BOOK 


COMPRISING 


FACTS  CONCERNING  THE  VARIOUS  BREEDS  AND  THEIR  CHARACTERISTICS,  BREAKING, 
TRAINING,  SHELTERING,  BUYING,  SELLING,  GENERAL  CARE,  AND  ALL  DISEASES 

TO  WHICH    THEY   ARE   SUBJECT THE  CAUSES,  HOW  TO  KNOW,  AND  WHAT 

TO  DO  ;    GIVEN  IN  PLAIN,  SIMPLE  LANGUAGE,  AND  WITH    DIRECTIONS 
THAT  ARE  EASILY    UNDERSTOOD,    EASILY   APPLIED,    AND    REME- 
DIES  THAT   ARE    WITHIN   REACH    OF   THE    PEOPLE.       ALSO, 
THE     RECENT,    APPROVED,    HUMANE    METHODS    FOR 
THE     PREVENTION    OF    ANY     DISEASE,    AND 
RESTORATION     OF    HEALTH. 


CAREFULLY   PREPARED,   AFTER   A   RIPE  EXPERIENCE  OF  TWENTY-FIVE   YEARS    IN    STOCK-RAISING 
AND   AN   EXTENSIVE  PRACTICE   IN   VETERINARY  SURGERY, 


J.  RUSSELL  MANNING,  M.  D.,  V.  S. 


FULLY   ILLUSTRATED. 


PHILADELPHIA,    PA.  : 

HUBBARD  PUBLISHING  COMPANY. 


Copyrisrht,  by  HtiBBAKD  Brothebs,  1882; 


iTABLE  OF   CONTENTS.  ]X 

CHAPTER  IX. 

BENEFITS  OF    KIND    AND    CAREFUL   TREATMENT. 
L  Abusing  a  Faithful  Servant. — II.  What  are  Barbarities.— III.  A  Picture  from  Life. — TV.  Tk* 
Other  Side. — V.  A  Good  Farmer's  Surroundings. — VI.  Farmer  Unthrift's  Farm. — VII.  Hit 
Home.— VIII.  The  Careful  Man's  Theory.— IX.  Using  the  Means  We  Have.— X.  An  Infalli 
We  Rule 141 

CHAPTER  X. 

HOW  TO  BUY. 
I.  How  to  Get  Correct  Information. — II.  The  Buyer  Must  Know  What  He  Wants. — III.  Propor» 
tions  of  the  Horse.— IV.  The  Cleveland  Bay  for  Profit.— V.  The  Light  Harness  Horse.— VI. 
Saddle  Horses  of  all  Gaits.— VII.  The  High-Bred  Hunting  Horse.- VIII.  Racing  Horses.— 
IX.  What  the  Racer  Should  be.— X.  To  Avoid  Vices  and  Defects ;  How  to  Detect.— XI. 
Other  Faults  and  Imperfections -..  .  166 

CHAPTER  XI. 

HOW  TO  BUY,  CONTINUED. 
L  Buying  Cheap  Horses.— II.  Color,  in  relation  to  Value.— III.  Action.— IV.  Fast  walking 
Horses.- V.  What  a  Horse  should  be.— VI.  What  Constitutes  Unsoundness.— VII.  Defini- 
tiou  of  Unsoundness.- VIII.  Illustration  of  Form  and  Symmetry.— IX.  The  Body  and 
Limbs. — X.  The  Body  as  Standing  Facing  You. — XI.  Front  View  of  Fore-quarters. — Show- 
ing Different  Bad  Conformations.— XII.  The  Hind-quarters.— XIII.  The  View  from 
Behind.— XIV.  What  Not  to  Buy.— XV.  Buying  for  Blood ITS 

CHAPTER  XII. 

RACING,   OR  TURF   HORSES. 
L  Early  History  of  the  English  Blood  Horse.— II.  How  He  was  Improved.— III.  The  Amerimn 
Blood  Horse.- IV.  Celebrated  American  Horses.— V.  History  of  Their  Performances.— VI. 
Training  to  Trotting —  19» 


DISEASES   OF    THE  HORSE.     THEIR    CAUSES ;    HOW  TO   KNOW 
THEM,  AND  HOW  TO  CURE  THEM. 

CHAPTER  I. 

I.  Introduction.'II.  External  Manifestation  of  Disease 3M 

CHAPTER    II. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  SKIN  AND  SUB-CUTANEOUS  TISSUES. 

l-  Scratches.— n.  Grease.— m.  Thrush.— IV.  Swelled  Ankles.— V.  Swelled  Legs.— VI.  Snrfttt. 
VU.  Mange.— VIU.  Ring-worm.— IX.  Hide-bound. —X.  Saddle  Galls,  or  Sitfasts.- XI.  Fun- 
jouBCoUar  Ttunor.— XJI.  Warts.- XIII.  Vermin. -~XIV.  Larva  in  the  Skin.— XV.  Tetter. « 
XVI.  Rat-tailB.— XVn.  Mallenders  andSallenders.-XVIH.  PoU-evil.— XIX.  Fistula Mf 

CHAPTER  III. 

DISEASES   OF  THE   GLANDS   AND   NASAL  MEMBRANES. 
I  OUnders.—II.    Farcy —HI.  Diatemper.— IV.  Nasal  Gleet.— V.  Na«a?  Polypas 46i6 


X  TABLE     OF    CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

DROPSICAL  AFFECTIONS. 
I.  Dropsy  of  the  Heart.— n.  Dropsy  of  the  Brain.— Til.  Dropsy  of  the  Chest.— IV.  Dropsy  of  the 
Skis  of  the  Chest.— y.  Dropsy  of  the  Scrotum.— VI.  Dropsy  of  the  Abdomen $ti 

CHAPTER  V. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  THROAT,  CHEST,  AND  LUNGS. 
I  Chest  Founder. — II.  Bronchitis. — III.  Pneumonia,  or  Inflammation  of  the  Lungs.— IV.  Con« 
sumption.— V.  Pleurisy.— VI.  Colds.- VII.  Enlarged  Glands.- VIII.  Swelled  Throat. —LK. 
Chronic  Cough.— X.  Malignant  Epidemic— XI.  Dilficulty  of  Breathing.— XII.  Broken  Wind, 
Bellows,  Heaves.— XIII.  Influenza.— XIV.  Pink  Eye.— XV.  Bleeding  from  the  Nose.— 
XVI    Strangles.— XVII.  Spasmodic  Action  of  the  Glottis  and  Epiglottis ~ 336 

CHAPTER  VI. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  STOMACH  AND  BOWELS. 
1.  iSonr  Stomach. "^n.  Colic— III.  TheBot.— IV.  Inflammation  and  Rupture  of  the  Colon.  —V.  In- 
flammation and  Bleeding  of  the  Rectum. — VI.  Spontaneous  Salivation. — VII.  Inflanunstion  of 
the  Stomach. — VIII.  Soreness  and  Itching  of  the  Anus. — ^IX.  Chronic  Gastritis.- X.  Spasm  of 
the  Diaphragm. — XI.  Rupture  of  the  Stomach. — XII.  Gk>rged  Stomach. — XIII.  Inflammation  of 
the  Peritoneum.— XIV.  Strangulation  of  the  Intestines.— XV.  Functional  Diseases  of  the  Liver. 
~-XVI.  Parasites  which  Affect  the  Intestines. — XVII.  Diarrhoea (44. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  LIVER,  URINARY  ORGANS,  &C. 
I.  Jaundice. — II.  Enlargement  of  the  Spleen. — III.  Inflammation  of  the  Kidneys.— IV.  Proftase 
Staling,  or  Diabetes. — V.  Bloody  Urine,  or  Haematuria. — VI.  Thick  and  Albuminous  Urine. — 
VU.  White  or  Lime  Urine. — VIII.  Gravel,  or  Stone  in  the  Bladder. — IX.  Suppression  of  the 
Urine.— X.  Inflammation  of  the  Bladder.— XI.  Foul  Sheath.— XII.  Rupture  of  the  Bladder.— 
XUI.  Spasm  of  the  Urethra.— XIV.  Inflammation  of  the  Organs  of  Generation 365> 

CHAPTER   VIII. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  TEETH  AND  SIOUTH. 
I.  Teething,  or  Dentition.— II.  Shedding  Teeth.— Ill  Blind  Teeth.— IV.  Decay  ol  the  Teeth.— V. 
Scurvy.— VI.  Stump-sucking,  or  Crib-biting. — VII.  Lampas. —  VIII.  Inflammation  in  and 
Around  the  Teeth.— IX.  Slavering.— X.  Inflammation  of  the  Tongue. — XI.  Sharp  and  Project- 
ing Teeth.— XII.  Scald  Mouth.— XIII.  Aptha.— XIV.  Inflammation  of  the  Parotid  Gland.— XV. 
Fistula  of  the  Parotid  Duct  37*= 

CHAPTER  IX. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  HEART,  BLOOD,  Ac. 

I.  Thumps.- n.  Scrofula. — III.  Fever,  or  General  Inflammation.— IV.  Enlargement  of  the  Heart. 
—V.  Fatty  Degeneration  of  the  Heart.— VI.  Enlargement  of  the  Arteries.-VII.  Inflammauon 
•f  the  Jugular  Vein.— VIII.  Inflammation  of  the  Absorbents.— IX.  Scarlatina aM 

CHAPTER  X. 

DISEASES   OF  THE   BRAIN  AND  NERVOUS   SYSTEM. 
I.  Ilydrophobia,  or  Rabies.— 11.  Mad  Staggers,  or  Phrenitis.— III.  Blind  Staggers,  Megrims, 
»»  Vertigo.— IV.  Apoplexy,  or  Sleepy  Staggers.— V.  Abscess  within  the  Brain 399^ 


TABLE    OF    CONTENTS.  xi 

CHAPTER  XI.  '^"' 

DISEASES  OF  THE  MUSCLES  AND  TENDONS. 

I.  Blood  Sparin.—n.  Bog  Spavin.— HI.  Curb.— IV.  Thorough-pin.— V.  Tetanus,  or  Lockjaw.— VI. 
Cramps.— VII.  Khcumatism.— VIII.  String-halt ^| 

CHAPTER  XII. 

DISEASES    OP  THE  EYE. 

I.  Ktturally  Weak  Eyes.— II.  Sore  Eye-lids.— III.  Moon  eyes.— IV.  Cataract.— V.  Hooks  or 
Inflammation  of  the  Haw.— VI.  Dimness  of  Vision.— VII.  Worms  in  the  Eye.— VIII.  Par. 
ulent  Ophthalmia. — IX.  Fungoid  Tumors  in  the  Substance  of  the  Eye. — X.  Impediment  ia 
the  Lachrymal  Duct. — XI.  Gutta  Serena „„.  42* 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

DISEASES  OF    THE  BONES. 

I.  Big  Head  and  Big  Jaw.— H.  Sweeny  of  the  Shoulder.— HI.  Sweeny  of  the  Hip. ^TV.  Bone  Spar* 
in.— V.  EnlargedHock.— VI.— Bing-bone.— Vn.  Stifle.— Vni.  Splint.— IX.  Sore  shins,  Inflam- 
mation of  the  Metacarpal  Bones. — ^X.  Botten  Bones. — XI.  Inflanmiation  of  the  Knee  Bone. 
XH.  Caries  of  the  lower  jaw 43k 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  FEET. 

X.  Ulceration  of  the  Foot  (naTicnlar  disease) . — H.  Cracked  Hoof. — ^HI.  Hoof  Bot.— IV.  Corns. — ^V. 
Contraction  of  the  Hoof  (narrow  heel).— VI.  Injuries  of  the  Frog.— VH.  Founder— VIII.  Nail 
Pricking.— IX.  Canker.- X.  Sand  Crack.— XI.  False  Quarter— XH.  Quitter. -XHI.  Too 
Crack.— XIV,  Pumice  Foot.— XV.  Seedy  Toe.— XVI.  Ossified  Cartilages.— XVH.  Side  Bones. 
XVm.  Incised  Wounds  of  the  Sole 451 

CHAPTER  XV. 

WOUNDS  AND  INJUBIES  AND  TSEIR  EESULT8. 
I.  Strains  and  Sprains.— II.  Overreach.— III.  Brushing,  or  Speedy  Cut. — IV.  Broken  Knees.— V. 
Capped  Elbow. —VI.  Frost-bite.— VII.  Burns  and  Scalds.— VIH.  Rupture.— IX.  Choking.— X. 
Wounds  Penetrating  the  Abdominal  Cavity. — XI.  Contused  Wounds. — XII.  Lacerated 
Wounds.— XIII.  Punctured  Wounds.— XIV.  Broken  Hock.— XV.  Dislocations.— XVL 
Various  Fractures. — XVII.  Various  Distortions. — XVIII.  Diseases  of  the  Ear 46S 

CHAPTER  XVL 

POISONS. 
I.  Internal  Poison. — II.  Poisonini;  from  Stings. — III.  Poisoned  Skin 48Z 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

VETERINABY  SUBGERT. 
I  Castrating.— n.  St:>*ding.— HI.  Tracheotomy.— IV.  Periosteotomy.— V.  Neurotomy. -4n.  Dt- 
Tlaion  of  tiie Tendons.  Ac.,  Ac.,  &o.... «8» 


Zli  TABLE    OF    CONTENTfl. 

CHAPTER    XVIII. 

MISCELLANEOUS  MINOR  DISEASES. 

I.  MeUnoaia,  or  Black  Pigment  Tumors.— II.  Epithelial  Cancer.— in .  Dropey  of  the  Lungs. 

Stings  aod  Bites.— V.  Fallingoff  of  the  Hair.— VI.  Acute  Irritation  of  the  Skin.— VII.  Hard«»- 
ingof  the  Skin. — VIII.  Exotosis  of  the  Lower  Jaw.— IX.  Swelling,  by  Pressare  ef  the  Bridle.— 
X.  Sore  Nose  .—XI .  Roaring,  or  High  Blowing. — XII.  Wind  Galls. — XUI.  Rupture  of  the  Ham- 
string.— XIV.  Broken  Wind. — XV.  Internal  Hemorrhage. — XVI.  Partial  Paralysis i^fj 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

Medicines:  What  to  Keep;  How  to  Obtain ;  H«w  to  Prepare;  and  How  to  Give  Them 600 

CHAPTER  XX. 
Implements:  What  to  Keep;  How  to  Use 615 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 


florae,  skeleton  of 39 

**      longitudinal  section  of 42 

Horse's  Lead,  vertical  section  of 43 

Horse,  bones  of  the  foot 44 

"        "        "        "     sectional  view  of 44 

"      foot  and  lower  leg,  vertical  section^f 45 

''      external  parts  of 4^ 

Agood  horse  for  light  driving 66 

A  good  horse  for  all  work « £6 

Light  hunting  horse ^ 68 

Heavy  "  ^ 69 

English  roadster ^ 60 

"        coach  horse 61 

Gen.  Grant's  Arabian  Stallions 65 

English  race  horse,  Eclipse 69 

Norman  Percheron  stallion 76 

"  "  mare 7? 

Clydesdale  stallion,  "  Young  Wellington  " 81 

'♦  Satellite,"  the  Hambletonian  trotting  stallion *« , 84 

Shetland  ponies 91 

Shales 99 

Dervish 100 

Golddust 101 

Poitou  a88 109 

Horse's  head  with  bearing-rein 124 

"  without       "        ]24 

Team  of  the  cruel  and  improvident  master 146 

"       "       kind  and  careful  master 147 

Barn  of  the  provident  master 149 

Farmer  Unthrift's  barn 160 

"  "       home 150 

The  barn  of  the  cruel  master 151 

Model  halter  on  model  colt Iftl 

Team  of  the  kind  master 152 

"       "       cruel  master 152 

Shiftless  man's  door-yard  gate 152 

"       field  gate 152 

High-bred  roadster 156 

Finely  bred  roadster 1*7 

Good  family  horse 158 

Proportions  of  the  horse 159 

Cleveland  Bay 161 

Goldsmith  Maid 25t 

Movement  in  trotting S^ 

19 


20  ILLUSTRATED   STOCK   DOCTOB. 

FAGH 

Fine  trotter  in  light  harness 104 

Good  form  for  saddle  horse jg5 

Horse  of  good  action jgg 

Model  form  for  speed  in  running jgg 

Progression  of  blind  horse m 

Movement  in  walking 176 

Side  and  front  view  of  heads,  good 182 

"  "  "      bad 183 

Side  view  of  fore-quarters,  showing  good  shoulder 184 

"  "  "         bad  conformation 186 

Front  view,  showing  breast  and  limbs,  good 187 

"  of  fore-quarters,  showing  bad  conformations 191 

Good  hind-quarters 192 

Side  view  of  hind-quarters 194 

Back  view  of  hind-quarters 195 

.     "  "  bad 196 

External  manifestations  of  disease 256 

First  stage  of  confirmed  grease  exudation 26S 

Sjecond   "  "  " 263 

Horse  aflFected  with  surfeit 271 

One  of  the  causes  of  hide-bound  in  horses 277 

Poll-evil  during  first  stage 288 

"  "       second  stage 289 

Slight  enlargement,  which  may  end  in  fistulous  withers 292 

Fistulous  withers,  worst  stage 292 

A  fit  subject  for  founder  or  bronchitis 321 

A  horse  dressed  for  bronchitis 322 

A  cough  of  incurable  bronchitis 324 

Case  of  congestion 324 

Position  assumed  by  horse  with  an  attack  of  pneumonia 325 

Horse's  head  with  cold 330 

"        "        "      lymphatic  gland  swollen 331 

Nose-bag  for  steaming  horse  with  cold 8Sl 

'*        '        "      the  throat  blistered 333 

SetQQ  in  the  throat  of  a  horse 333 

A  horse  quidding 334 

The  act  of  coughing , „ 334 

Bit  bearing  upon  jaw 338 

Confirmed  influenza 339 

Opening  the  abscess  of  strangles 343 

The  first  stage  of  spasmodic  colic 346 

The  second  stage  of     "  "    346 

The  third  stage  of     "  "    347 

The  first  stage  of  flatulent       "    348 

Hofse  dying  of  flatulent  colic 348 

Aestrus  hemorrhoidalis 350 

"      eggs,  larvae  and  fly 350 

Nose  strained  upward 352 

Application  of  an  ammoniacal  blister 353 

Horse  suffering  from  acute  gastritis 354 

Unnatural  attitude  indicative  of  abdominal  injury 358 

Position  assumed  by  horse  suffering  from  abdominal  injury 35# 

Test  for  hemorrhage  of  the  liver .  36# 

Colt  picking  hair  (torn  its  leg,  giving  proof  of  worms 361 

Symptoms  attending  disease  of  urinary  organs 367 

Test  for  inflammation  of  the  kidneys •...«..«...„ 36& 


ILLUSTRATIONS.  21 

PAGR 

Horse  suffering  fpom  bloody  urine 370 

Position  assumed  by  borse  having  albuminous  urine 371 

Horse  suffering  witb  tootb-ache 380 

Burning  for  lampas 381 

Effects  of  cruel  use  of  bit 388 

Aptba 384 

Countenance  of  a  borse  witb  rabies 400 

Destructive  impulse  of  hydrophobia 401 

Horse  during  the  mad  stage  of  staggers 404 

Expression  characteristic  of  megrims 409 

A  horse  dying  witb  abscess  within  the  brain 414 

A  horse  mad  from  inflammation  of  the  brain 414 

Test  for  tetanus 419 

Slings  for  tetanus  or  fractured  limb 420 

Mode  of  feeding  horse  with  chronic  tetanus 421 

Showing  how  far  a  horse  with  tetanus  is  capable  of  motion 421 

Horse  having  string-halt 424 

Mode  of  blinding  a  borse  and  applying  lotion  to  the  eye 430 

Extirpation  of  the  eye 432 

Obstruction  of  the  lachrymal  gland 433 

Eye  effected  by  gutta  serena 434 

Foot,  incapable  of  being  raised  from  ground  by  reason  of  spavin 439 

Natural  position  of  foot  when  raised  from  the  ground  during  an  easy  trot 43S 

Closing  cfrack  in  hoof 453 

Acute  fever  in  the  feet 457 

The  low  choke 476 

Manner  of  using  seton  needle 405 

A  horse  suffering  from  drastic  poison 482 

Tumor  caused  by  curb  chain 493 

How  to  bear  the  sound  made  in  a  horse's  windpipe 496 

Internal  hemorrhage 497 

Horse  suffering  from  partial  paralysis  of  the  hind  legs 49S 


THE  HORSE ; 

5HIS: 

HISTORY,  BREEDS,  CHARACTERISTICS 
AND  MANAGEMENT. 


THE   HOKSE. 


CHAPTER  I. 
mS  HISTORY  AS  A  COMPANION  AND  SEBVANT  OF  MAN. 


eOimSCTED  WITH  MAN  FROM  A  VERY  BARLY  AGE. HIS  IMPORTAKCE  AS  A  HELPER  IN  TBM. 

WORK  OP  THE  WORLD. HIS   SUPERIORITY   OVER  THE   OTHER   ANIMALS. THE  HORSK 

AND  HIS  RIDER   BECOME   IN  SOME    MEASURE    ONE   CREATURE. HIS   NATIVITY  :   DOUBT 

CONCERNTNG  IT. HIS   EXISTENCE   UPON   EARTH   PROBABLY    CONTEMPORANEOUS  WITH' 

THAT  OF  MAN. THE  MOST  ANCIENT  AUTHORS  ALLUDE  TO  HIM. HB  PASSES  INTO  DIF- 
FERENT PARTS  OP  THE  GLOBE. WILD  HERDS  IN   THE    EASTERN    CONTINENT. ORIGIN 

OP  THE  WILD  HERDS  IN  AMERICA. FOUND  AS  A  DOMESTIC  AMONG  NEARLY  ALL  PEO- 
PLE.  GREATER   LIABILITY  TO    DISEASE   IN  A  DOMESTIC   THAN  IN   A   WILD  STATE. 

SUBJECT  TO   DETERIORATION  UNDER  IGNORANT  MANAGEMENT. THE   WISDOM    OF  THE. 

ARABS  AS  BREEDERS  AND  KEEPERS. DIFFERENCE  OF  OPINION  AMONG  MEN  AS  TO  SYS- 
TEMS OF  BREEDING :  ATTENTION  CALLED  TO  ITS  TREATMENT  IN  THIS  WORK. KNOWL- 
EDGE AND  SKILL  NECESSARY  TO  HIS  PROPER  CARE. 

"  And  God  made  the  beast  of  the  earth  after  his  kind,  and  cattle  after 
their  kind,  and  everything  that  creepeth  upon  the  earth  after  his  kind : 
and  God  saw  that  it  was  good.  And  God  said,  Let  us  make  man  in, 
our  image,  after  our  likeness  ;  and  let  them  have  dominion  over  the  fish  of 
the  sea,  and  over  the  fowl  of  the  air,  and  over  the  cattle,  and  over  all 
the  earth.  " 

Although  the  precise  period  at  which  the  horse  was  subjected  to  th© 
use  of  man  is  unknown,  it  is  not  unreasonable  to  conjecture  that  it  was 
at  a  time  long  anterior  to  his  mention  in  history ;  and  it  is  probable  that 
since  the  day  when  man  was  made  master  of  all  other  created  things, 
no  animal  has  been  more  constantly  his  companion  and  friend  ;  and  that 
no  other  has  contributed  so  much  assistance  in  subduing  wild  nature  and. 
making  everything  subservient  to  his  will  and  promotive  of  his  happiness. 
Other  animals,  particularly  sheep  and  cattle,  have  shared  with  the  horse 
this  usefulness  to  mankind,  it  is  true  :  and  in  our  present  civilized  state, 
when  mechanical  ingenuity  is  making  such  rapid  strides  in  dispensing  with 

33 


84  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

animal  labor,  it  may  be,  as  i«  sometimes  claimed,  that  the  wool-bearinQ 
and  milk-giving  animals — especially  considering  that  these  same  animals 
furnish  also  a  large  proportion  of  our  flesh  food — are  to  be  held  as  taking 
the  i)recedence  ;  but  as  to  adaptability,  becoming,  as  it  were,  a  creature  of 
all  work  ;  as  to  comeliness  and  quickness  of  motion ;  as  to  a  certain  sym- 
l)athy  with  his  master  that  makes  him  at  times  so  to  partake  of  his  spirit 
and  motions  as  to  seem  one  with  him  ;  as  to  a  readiness  of  submission  to 
drudgery  as  well  as  to  proud  employments,  he  is  without  a  rival  in  the 
world. 

It  is  affirmed  by  many  that  the  horse  is  a  native  of  Asia,  but  of  this  we 
really  know  nothing.  Others  affirm  with  equal,  or  almost  equal,  plausi- 
bility, that  he  is  a  native  of  central  Africa.  "Where  all  is  conjecture,  it 
is  needless  in  a  practical  work  of  this  character  to  speculate.  Wherever 
his  primal  home  may  have  been,  it  is  at  least  within  the  bounds  of  proba- 
bility that  his  existence  in  Asia,  in  his  present  state  of  development,  is 
contemporary  with  that  of  man  upon  earth.  Some  among  the  very  earli. 
est  records  of  the  human  race  contain  allusions  to  him  as  a  well  known 
animal,  in  the  service  of  man.  The  description  in  the  Book  of  Job,  a 
production  admitted  to  be  of  the  very  highest  antiquity,  is  a  case  in  point. 
He  is  mentioned  here,  in  glowing  terms,  as  a  martial  adjunct  to  his  mas- 
ter— and  not  as  a  newly-discovered  or  recently-subdued  creature,  but  as 
one  with  which  the  world  was  familiar.  Sculptured  images  of  horses  as 
beautiful  of  form  almost  as  the  noble  Arabian  of  to-day  have  been  found 
among  the  ruins  of  the  cities  of  the  desert.  He  is  mentioned  by  Moses 
in  connection  with  the  Egyptians  ;  and  records  older  than  the  writings  of 
Moses  point  to  his  having  been  known  and  used  by  that  singular  people 
from  the  dawn  of  their  wonderful  civilization. 

We  find  him  thus  in  both  Asia  and  Africa ;  and  during  all  the  historic 
period  he  has  been  present  with  man  as  though  native  to  the  soil  of  many 
districts  of  both  Continents.  Whether  borne  thither  by  natural  result  of 
migi-atory  wandering,  in  a  wild  state,  or  whether  by  the  ever-spreading 
human  family,  there  is  little  to  guide  us  in  determining.  In  the  more 
thinly  populated  districts  of  Asia,  notably  in  Southern  Siberia,  great  wild 
herds  have  been  long  known  to  exist. 

Though,  as  we  have  previously  intimated,  there  must  have  been  a 
noble  breed  of  horses  in  Arabia  in  the  days  of  their  most  ancient  cities, 
the  introduction  of  the  present  breed  into  that  country  is  thought  to  have 
been  of  a  comparatively  modern  date.  It  seems  clear  that  long  subse- 
quent to  the  beginning  of  the  Christian  era  there  were  few  horses  in 
Arabia,  and  those  few  of  no  striking  excellence,  and  that  the  now  cele- 
brated Arabians  have  either  sprung  from  good  horses  introduced  into  the 


THE  HORSfi,    HIS  ORIGIN,  ETC.  ZH 

country  ^thin  the  last  thousand  years,  or  are  the  result  of  judicious 
breeding  and  kindly  care  bestowed  upon  a  native  stock. 

He  was  brought  as  a  domestic  animal  to  the  New  World,  by  the  early 
adventurers  ; — and  no  trace  of  him,  (if  we  except  a  kind  of  cloven-footed 
species),  having  been  found  upon  the  Continent,  we  can  account  for  the 
herds  of  wild  horses,  known  to  have  long  existed  in  different  parts  of 
North  and  South  America,  upon  no  other  supposition  than  that  they  are 
the  descendants  of  certain  Andalusian  mares  and  steeds  brought  over  by 
the  Spaniards,  and  abandoned  by  them  when  they  could  no  longer  render 
them  service,  or  left  free  to  escape  to  the  forests  on  the  death  of  their 
masters  in  battle.  There  is  a  story  current — of  doubtful  authenticity, 
however — that  all  these  immense  herds,  in  both  North  and  South  America, 
are  sprung  from  one  stallion  and  two  mares  that  escaped  from  the  expe- 
dition of  De  Soto  through  Florida,  Georgia,  and  elsewhere.  Be  this  aa 
it  may,  there  are  now  many  great  herds — a  single  one,  especially  in  South 
America,  sometimes  numbering  many  thousands. 

As  a  domestic  animal,  the  horse  is  found  among  almost  every  people 
on  the  globe  ;  and  his  uses  vary  ^ith  the  degree  of  civilization  enjoyed 
by  his  owners.  It  may  be  remarked  also  that  this  degree  of  usefulness 
is  intimately  associated  with  the  degree  of  his  deterioration  and  with  the 
diseases  to  which  he  is  subject.  In  a  wild  state,  he  is  almost  free  from 
disorders  of  every  kind, — so  much  so  that  unless  killed  by  accident  or  by 
deprivation  of  necessary  food  and  drink,  as  is  sometimes  the  case,  he 
lives  to  a  great  age — dying  in  the  course  of  nature,  it  is  believed,  at  from 
thirty  to  sixty  years.  Among  the  Arabs,  whejre  his  condition  approaches 
more  nearly  to  a  natural  state  than  among  any  other  people,  except  the 
[ndians,  and  where  his  laborious  service  to  his  master  is  limited  almost 
exclusively  to  carrying  a  single  rider,  he  displays  his  greatest  perfections 
as  a  domestic  animal,  and  enjoys  the  greatest  immunity  from  disease. 
Among  the  leading  nations  of  Europe  and  their  colonies,  where  he  is  for 
the  most  part  made  literally  *'a  beast  of  burden"  in  the  different  capaci- 
ties of  animal  for  the  saddle  and  for  every  species  of  draught,  and  wher« 
man  practices  almost  unrestrained  not  only  his  active  cruelties  but  many 
umvitting  enormities,  he  is  said  by  good  authority  to  be  constantly  deter- 
iorating and  becoming  more  and  more  subject  to  diseases  and  to  prema- 
ture death. 

Among  the  Arabs,  too,  the  best  breeds  are  preserved  in  their  purity  i 
whereas,  among  more  civilized  nations  all  efforts  of  man  to  improve  th« 
stock,  or  even  to  preserve  any  desired  quality,  result  at  last  in  rendering 
the  subjects  of  his  experiments  more  liable  to  fall  into  various  disorder*, 
and,  except  in  rare  instances,  in  ultimate  failure. 


36  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

It  may  not  be  iirelevant  to  state  in  this  connection  that  the  great  excel, 
lence  of  the  Arabian  of  the  present  day,  whatever  may  have  been  his 
•ri'i-in,  is  due  in  part  to  the  extraordinary  affection  felt  for  him  by  his 
master,  which  manifests  itself  in  the  extreme  care  that  is  lavished  upon 
him,  and  to  which  he  is  almost  as  sensitive  as  a  human  creature ;  in  part 
to  his  freedom  from  that  severe  labor  by  which  the  horses  of  other  na- 
tions are  prematurely  broken,  stiffened,  and  deprived  of  spirit ;  and 
partly,  no  doubt,  by  the  steps  which  are  taken,  not  so  much  to  improvey 
but  to  preserve y  a  choice  breed.  While  other  nations,  notably  the  Eng- 
lish, French  and  American,  are  engaged  in  ceaseless  endeavors  to  im- 
prove, and,  according  to  some  authorities,  constantly  making  lamentable 
failures — defeating  their  own  ends  by  the  systems  of  breeding,  training, 
and  use,  which  they  adopt — the  wild  sons  of  the  desert  maintain  for  their 
horses  from  age  to  age  the  superiority  which  they  were  first  found  to 
possess. 

Men  differ  in  opinion  as  to  the  cause  of  all  this,  and  the  mooted  ques- 
tions of  crossing  and  in-and-in  breeding  find  their  respective  champions, 
and  the  discussion  is  from  time  to  time  renewed  ;  but  the  fact  remains 
that  the  horses  of  Arabia  excel  all  others  ;  while  another  important  fact 
seems  to  be  most  generally  overlooked,  that  the  Ai*abs  neither  cross  nor 
actually  breed  in-and-in,  but,  having  by  some  means  obtained  a  noble  race 
they  guard  equally  against  admitting  admixture  of  blood  and  against  too 
close  consanguinity. 

The  subject  of  breeding,  however,  mil  be  found  to  have  been  more 
fully  discussed  under  its  proper  head ;  and  in  conclusion  it  will  perhaps 
be  sufficient  to  urge  upon  the  attention  of  the  intelligent  owner  and 
breeder  some  few  facts  which  have  been  touched  upon  in  the  course  of 
this  brief  sketch,  namely :  That  among  horses  in  a  wild  state  disease 
is  rarely  known,  though  admixture  of  blood  most  probably  does  take 
l)lace,  and,  for  aught  we  know  to  the  contrary,  as  close  in-and-in 
breeding  as  the  most  pronounced  advocate  of  that  system  could  wish. 
Tims,  we  find  exemption  from  destructive  disorders,  but  ordinarily  no 
strongly  marked  characteristics  of  race  constantly  prevailing,  and  but 
rarely  among  them  what  may  be  termed  really  fine  animals. 

Again,  that  among  the  horses  of  the  Arabs  and  the  American  Indians^ 
disease  is  almost  as  rare  as  among  the  Avild  herds.  And  again,  among 
those  nations  where  the  horse  is  in  the  highest  degree  useful,  becoming 
more  the  slave  than  the  companion  of  man,  he  is  the  subject  of  a  multi- 
tude of  infirmities  scarcely  equalled  in  number  by  those  to  which  map.  is 
himself  heir.  It  has  been  said  that  in  becoming  the  companion  and  the  ser- 
vant of  man,  he  has  partaken,  in  some  measure,  of  both  man's  spirit  and 
K.s  physical  frailties.     In  battle,  he  adds  to  the  terrors  of  the  conflict 


THE  HORSE,   HIS  ORIGIN,  ETC.  37 

by  his  fierceness  as  well  as  by  his  strength  and  swiftness  ;  in  the  stables 
of  careless  opulence,  he  becomes  the  pampered  victim  of  abundance,  and 
falls  a  prey  to  diseases  that  come  by  irregular  exercise  and  surfeiting ; 
with  hard  and  driving  task-masters,  in  the  marts  of  trade,  and  subject  to 
the  exactions  of  business,  he  is  soon  stiffened,  spavined,  and  generally 
broken  as  to  both  conformation  and  locomotion  ;  while  among  the  poorer 
class  of  tillers  of  the  soil  and  other  toilers,  he  seems  to  become  spiritless 
and  dull,  and  subject  to  diseases  that  come  rather  from  want  of  care 
than  from  either  over-work  or  actual  deprivation  of  food  and  drink. 

In  his  best  estate,  he  is  the  noblest  of  the  lower  animals  ;  in  his  worst, 
he  is  still  a  property  of  man,  and  a  helper  in  his  work.  A  knowledge 
of  his  ailments,  and  the  possession  of  that  skill  necessary  to  his  relief,  is 
therefore  essential  to  every  one  who  owns  even  the  commonest  of  the 
kpecios. 

3 


CHAPTER  n. 
ILLUSTRATED  DESCRIPTION. 


iBCMsrrr  for  a  comprehensive  idea  op  the  construction  of  the  hobse,  and  thk  ra 

lations  of  his  parts. scientific  terms  used,  but  explained. subsequent 

portions  of  the  work  more  readily  understood  by  reference  to  this  chapter. 

knowledge  of  structure  indispensable  to  surgery. skeleton;  SECTION- 
AL VIEW  OK  THORAX,  ABDOMEN,  AND  PELVIS;  VERTICAL  SECTION  OF  HEAD;  SECTION 
OF  FOOT ;   FRONT  AND  BACK  VIEW  OF  FOOT ;   AND  EXTERNAL  PARTS. 

In  order  that  the  reader  may  obtain  a  clear  and  comprehensive  knowl- 
edge of  the  construction  of  the  horse  in  all  his  parts  and  of  the  propel 
relations  of  those  parts,  it  is  thought  best  to  introduce  here,  in  one  con* 
nected  view,  a  description  of  the  frame-work  or  skeleton,  as  seen  in  Fig. 
1  ;  of  the  internal  organs  and  their  positions,  as  seen  in  Fig.  2  ;  of  the 
head  and  its  contents,  Fig.  3  ;  of  the  peculiar  formation  of  the  foot,  Figs. 
4,  5,  and  6,  and  of  the  external  parts  of  the  animal.  Fig.  7. 

It  will  be  observed  that  while  we  have  used  the  ordinary  scientific  terms 
in  naming  these  various  parts,  we  have  annexed,  wherever  necessary, 
such  explanations  as  will  enable  the  plain  reader  to  get  the  full  meaning 
intended  to  be  conveyed. 

Some  attention  devoted  to  the  subject  here  will  of  course  supersede  th6 
necessity  of  constantly  recurring  and  tedious  explanations  throughout 
the  subsequent  part  of  the  work.  The  clearness  and  fulness  of  the  illus- 
trations provided  leave  nothing  more,  we  think,  to  be  desired  on  that 
.  head  ;  and  if  the  reader  chance  to  find,  in  our  directions  as  to  the  treat- 
ment of  any  disease,  allusions  to  the  structure  of  certain  parts  which  h© 
has  not  Avell  in  mind,  or  terms  used  with  which  he  is  not  entirely  familiar, 
his  difficulties  can  be  speedily  removed  by  reference  to  this  chapter. 

Any  attempt  to  perform  those  surgical  operations,  however  simple, 
vrhich  sometimes  ])ecome  necessary  in  the  treatment  of  domestic  animals, 
must  of  course  be  directed  by  that  knowledge  of  form,  structure,  and 
^ated  functions  which  we  endeavor  here  to  impart. 
38 


ILLUSTRATED   DESCRIPTION 


Fig.  1.    Skeleton. 


Explanations. — A — Cervical  vertebrae,  or  seven  bones  or  joints  of  th» 

^eck. 

B,  B — Dorsal  vertebrse,  or  the  eighteen  larger  joints  of  the  back-bone. 

C — Lumbar  vertebrae  : — ^the  six  joints  of  the  back-bone  lying  between 
the  upper  ends  of  the  false  ribs,  and  the  upper  edge  of  the  haunch  bone* 

D — Sacrum,  or  bone  which  forms  the  back  part  of  the  pelvis. 

E — Coccygeal  bones,  or  tail  bones. 

F,  F— Ribs. 

6 — Costal  cartilages,  or  the  cartilages  by  which  the  ends  of  the  rib« 
*re  joined. 

H — The  scapula,  or  shoulder  blade. 

I — The  humerus,  or  large  round  bone  between  the  point  of  the  shoul- 
der and  the  elbow,  or  upper  part  of  the  fore-leg. 

K.  K — The  radiuses,  the  outer  bones  of  the  fore-legs,  extending  frodfi 
humerus  to  knee. 


40  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK   DOCTOR. 

L — The  ulna,  the  larger  of  the  two  bones  of  the  upper  part  of  fore- 
leg, Iving  l)ehind  the  radius  and  extending  from  the  knee  to  the  lower 
part  of  chest. 

M — The  carpus,  or  knee,  composed  of:  1,  the  scaphoid,  or  bone  bav- 
in"' a  boat-like  form  ;  2,  the  semi-lunar,  or  bone  resembling  a  half-moon  ; 
3,  the  cuneiform,  or  wedge-shaped  bone  ;  4,  the  trapezium,  or  bone  re- 
sembling the  mathematical  figure  of  that  name  ;  5,  the  trapezoid,  or  bone 
reeembling  a  trapezoid;  6,  the  os  magnum,  or  great  bone  of  the  knee;' 
7,  the  unciform,  or  hook-shaped  bone  ;  8,  the  pisiform,  or  pea-shaped 
bone. 

^  K — The  large  metacarpal  or  cannon,  the  big  Ijone  of  the  fore-leg 
reaching  from  the  knee  to  the  ankle. 

0 — Small  metacarpal  or  "splint  bones,"  the  two  smaller  bones  of  the 
lower  part  of  the  fore-legs. 

P  p — The  sessamoid  bones — ^two  small  bones  found  in  the  substance 
of  the  tendons  at  the  joining  of  the  fore-leg  to  the  ankle. 

QjQ — Phalanges,  embracing:  1,  the  upper  pastern  bone  ;  2,  the  os  co- 
rona, or  lower  pastern  bone ;  3,  the  os  pedis,  or  first  bone  in  the  leg, 
inside  the  hoof — the  coffin-bone  ;  and  na^^culare,  a  small  ship-shaped 
bone,  at  the  back  of  the  lower  pastern,  not  marked  in  the  figure. 

R — The  pelvis,  or  basin,  composed  of  :  1,  the  ilium,  or  flank  bone  ;  2, 
the  pubis,  or  fore-part  of  one  of  the  bones  of  the  pelvis  ;  3.  the  ischium, 
or  hinder  and  lower  part  of  the  hip-bone. 

S — The  femur,  or  thigh  bone. 

T — The  patella,  or  small  bone  covering  the  stifle  joint — ^the  joint  of 
the  hind  leg  near  the  flank. 

U — The  tibia,  or  large,  long  bone  between  the  hock  and  the  stifle  joint. 

Y — The  fibula,  the  small,  long  bone  behind  and  attached  to  the  tibia. 

W — The  hock,  or  that  joint  of  the  hind  leg  between  the  stifle-joint  and 
the  fetlock,  embracing  the  following  small  bones:  1,  the  os  calcis,  or 
back  point  of  the  hock ;  2,  the  astragalus,  or  upper  bone  of  the  hock 
that  supports  the  tibia ;  3,  the  cuneiform  magnum,  or  largest  Avedge- 
ahaped  bone ;  4,  the  cuneiform  medium,  or  middle-sized  wedge-shaped 
bone  ;  5,  the  cuneiform  parvum,  or  smallest  w^edge-shaped  bone  ;  6,  that 
•mall  bone  of  the  hock  having  a  somewhat  cubical  form. 

X — Large  metatarsal,  the  front  bone  of  the  hind  leg,  between  the  hock 
wid  tlie  pastern  joint,  below  which  are  1,  2,  3,  the  phalanges  of  the  hind 
leg. 

Y.  The  small  metatarsal,  or  small  bone  of  the  hind  leg  in  rear  of  large 
metatarsal. 

Z — The  head,  embracing:  1,  the  inferior  maxilla,  or  lower  jaw;  2, 
the  superior  maxilla,  or  upper  jaw;  3,  anterior  maxilla,  or  outer  part'  of 


ILLi:8TlJATi;i)  DESCUll'TlUX.  41 

che  jaw;  4,  the  nasal  bone,  or  bone  in  front  of  the  nostrils;  5,  the  ma^ 
lar,  or  prominent  cheek-bone  ;  6,  the  frontal  or  forehead  bone  ;  7,  parie> 
tal,  the  sides  and  upper  part  of  the  skull  bones— (wall  bones)  ;  8,  occi- 
pital, the  bone  of  the  hinder  part  of  the  head  ;  9,  the  lachrymal,  or  bone 
inclosing  the  lachrymal  gland  and  duct ;  10,  the  squamous,  or  scaly  por- 
tion of  the  temporal  bones;  11,  the  petrous,  or  hard  part  of  the  tem- 
poral bones  inclosing  the  organs  of  hearing. 

To  summarize,  the  spine  is  divided  into  cervical,  dorsal,  and  lumbar 
vcrte})rffi,  or  joints,  in  all,  thirty-one  ;  the  tail  contains  about  seventeen 
joints  ;  the  dorsal  vertebrae,  mth  eighteen  ribs  attached  on  each  side,  £tad 
the  breast-bone  (which  is  not  shown  in  the  figure),  form  the  thorax,  or 
cavity  inclosing  the  heart,  lungs,  &c., — thirty-seven  bones  ;  the  fore  part 
is  made  up  of  forty  bones,  taking  both  sides  together  ;  the  pelvis,  or 
basin,  of  three  bones  ;  the  remainder  of  the  hinder  part,  of  thirty-eight 
bones ;  the  cranium  of  ten ;  the  face  and  lower  jaw  of  eighteen ;  of 
teeth  there  are  forty  (in  the  male)  ;  the  small  bones  of  the  interna! 
ear,  taking  both,  are  eight ;  and  the  hyoid,  or  tongue  bone,  consists  of 
five  parts. 

It  is  not  the  province  of  this  work  to  enter  into  minute  anatomical  de 
scriptions  ;'  and  for  all  really  practical  purposes  the  foregoing  will  he 
found  ample. 

It  must  however  be  borne  in  mind  that  a  thorough  study  of  the  anatomy 
and  frame  work  of  the  animal  is  absolutely  necessary  to  a  perfect  under- 
standing of  how  to  breed,  rear,  care  for,  break  and  train  an  animal.  At; 
the  same  time,  neither  the  horse  breeder,  trainer,  or  driver,  needs  to  un-- 
derstand  them  so  critically  as  must  the  veterinarian.  The  one  repuireJt 
simply  a  general  knowledge  of  the  several  parts,  the  other  must  under- 
stand intimately  and  critically  each  and  every  part,  not  only  in  itself  but 
with  reference  to  its  bearing  and  influence  on,  and  relation  to  other  parts 
of  the  body.  Thus  what  we  give  in  illustration,  while  not  going  into  mi- 
nutia  such  as  would  be  necessary  to  make  the  veterinary  expert,  will  be 
fully  sufficient  for  the  instruction  and  every  day  use  of  the  practical  man, 
whether  he  be  breeder,  trainer,  or  simply  the  gentleman  who  drirea  for 
pleasure. 


42 


ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOB. 


ILLUSTRATED  DESCRIPTION.  43 

Explanations. — 1 — The  occiput,  or  that  part  of  the  skull  whicli  forms 
the  hind  part  of  the  head.  2 — The  cerebellum,  or  hinder  and  smaller  di- 
rision  of  the  brain.  3 — The  cerebrum,  or  front  and  larger  division  of 
the  brain.  4 — The  nasal  membrane,  or  cartilage  between  the  nostrils. 
5 — The  tongue.  6,  (5 — Joints  of  the  neck  bone,  7,  7,  7,  7 — The  spinal 
cord,  or  marrow.  8 — The  pharynx,  or  ou^dtj  bounded  by  the  membrane- 
ous and  muscular  walls  beneath  the  l)a.sc  of  the  skull,  into  which  the 
nose  and  mouth  both  open,  and  which  is  continuous  below  the  oesophagus. 
9,  9,  9 — The  oesophagus,  or  passage  through  which  food  and  drink  go 
into  the  stomach.  10 — The  orifice  of  the  stomach  passing  through  the 
diaphragm.  11 — The  pylorus,  or  the  orifice  of  the  stomach  through  which 
the  food  passes  into  the  intestines.  12,  12 — The  hinder  surface  of  the 
diaphragm,  or  membrane  which  separates  the  stomach  and  bowels  from 
the  heart  and  lungs.  13,  13 — The  trachea,  or  windpipe.  14 — The  lungs. 
15 — The  heart,  a — The  stomach,  b — The  spleen,  or  milt,  c — The  left 
kidney,  d — The  broad  ligament  of  the  uterus  or  womb,  with  the  left  por- 
tion, and  the  ovary  or  that  part  which  contains  the  seed  displayed,  e — The 
rectum,  or  terminal  portion  of  the  large  intestines,  f — The  anus,  g,  h, 
i,  j,  k,  1 — Internal  muscles  of  the  thigh. 


Tig.  3.    Vertical  Section  of  Horse's  Head. 

TKis  cut  illustrates  still  more  fully  the  structure  of  the  head  and  it* 
contents,  a — The  frontal  bone,  showing  sinus  or  channel  beneath,  b— - 
The  parietal  or  wall  bone,  covering  the  brain,  c — The  nose  bone,  d — 
The  occipital  or  back  head  bone,  e,  e~-The  Atlas,  or  first  bone  of  the 
neck,  showing  the  spinal  marrow  in  its  center.  f~The  ethmoid  or  sieve- 
like  bone,  through  which  the^lfactory  or  nerve  of  smelling  passes,  g — 
The  sphenoid  or  wedge-like  bone,  which,  with  the  ethmoid,  supports  the 
base  of  the  brain,  h — Part  of  the  lower  maxillary  or  jaw  bones,  with 
the  lower  incisor  teeth .  1 — The  cerebrum ,  or  large  brain .  2 .  — The  cere- 
bellum, or  small  brain.     3 — The  medulla  oblongata,  or  upper  portion  of 


44 


ILLUSTRATED    !ST0C:K    DOCTOU. 


the  spinal  marrow.  4 — The  .spinal  marrow.  A — The  turbinated  bones, 
or  thin,  bony  plates,  in  the  form  of  a  seroll  or  horn,  found  in  the  iLoH. 
trils,  and  serving  to  give  wider  distribution  to  the  linmg  membrane  of  the 
nose.  II — The  se])tuni  nasi,  or  caitilaginous  division  between  the  two  nos- 
trils. C,  C — The  lips.  D.  The  tongue.  E — The  epiglottis,  or  valve  of 
the  larynx.     F — The  traehea,  or  windpipe.     G — The  oesophagus  or  gullet. 

It  will  be  observed  that  the  great  object  in  the  formation  of  the  cran- 
ium, that  of  furnishing  a  firm  cover  and  a  sure  protector  of  the  brain 
against  all  ordinary  accidents,  is  secured  by  the  emplo^'ment  of  nine 
bones,  arranged  in  this  manner :  The  two  frontal  bones  (a),  make  up  the 
anterior  or  forward  i)art  ;  the  parietals  (b),  comprise  the  upper  and  cen- 
tral parts,  and  cover  the  outer  lobes  of  the  cerebrum ;  the  occipital  bono 
(d),  a  single  bone  of  great  solidity,  is  at  the  back  of  the  head;  a  little 
lower,  and  back  of  the  occipital  bone,  is  the  aperture  through  which 
the  spinal  cord,  together  Avith  some  nerves  and  an  artery,  make  their  exit 
from  the  brain.  Here  the  bone  is  smooth  and  rounded  for  the  purpost; 
of  jointing  with  the  atlas,  the  first  bone  of  the  neck.  The  sphenoid  bono 
(g),  forms  the  inferior  and  central  part  of  the  cranium.  The  ethmoid 
(f ),  through  which  the  olfactory  nerve  passes,  together  with  the  sphenoid, 
*s  /loted  above,  assists  in  upholding  the  base  of  the  brain.  In  proximity 
to  the  facial  bones  are  found  sinuses  bearing  names  derived  from  their 
nearness  to  particular  bones. 

The  temporal  bones  forming  the  sides  of  the  cranium  are  composed  oi' 
two  parts,  the  squamous,  or  scaly,  and  the  petrous,  or  stone-like.  The 
petrou'i  portion  of  the  temporal  bone  -contains  the  organs  of  hearing, 
having  upon  its  inside  surface  the  openings  for  the  passage  of  the  auditory 
L.crvo  ;  and  upon  its  outside,  large  passages  for  the  conveyance  of  sound 


Pig.  4.    Front  and  back  view  ov 

THr.  lUlNKS  OF  TH      FOOT. 


Fig.  5.    Skctional  view  of  thb 

BONES  of  the  foot. 


ILLUSTRATED    DESCRIPTION. 


49 


Fig.  6. 


Vertical  Section  of  the  Foot 
AND  Lower  Leg. 


Fiss.  4  and  5,  taken  in  connec- 
tion,  will  serve  to  give  the  reader  still 
more  definite  knowledge  than  that 
conveyed  by  the  skeleton  of  the  rela- 
tive situation  of  the  different  parts  of 
the  horse's  foot,  and  the  terms  applied 
to  each.  The  bones  exhibited  in  the 
front  and  back  Adew,  Fig.  4,  are  :  c,  c 
— The  coffin  bone,  or  first  bone  of  the 
leg.  d — The  sessamoid  bone,  b,  b 
— The  small  pastern,  a,  a — ^The  large 
pastern. 

The  parts  exhibited  by  Fig.  6  are : 
a — The  large  metacarpal  or  cannon 
bone,  b — The  os  suffraginis,  or  large 
pastern  bone.  c — One  of  the  ses- 
samoid bones,  d — The  os  coronse,  or 
small  pastern  bone,  e — The  navic- 
ular bone.  f — The  os  pedis,  or  cof- 
fin bone,     g,  g,  g — The  flexor  perfor- 

ans,  or  penetrating  tendon,  h,  h — The  flexor  perforatus,  or  penetrated 
tendon,  i — The  extensor  tendon,  j — The  suspensory  ligament,  k,  k — 
The  capsular  ligament,  or  membraneous  elastic  bag  surrounding  the  joint. 
1 — The  fetlock  joint,  m — The  pastern  joint,  n — The  coffin  joint,  o — 
Tlie  horny  crust,  p,  p — The  horny  sole,  q — The  frog.  r. — The  sensible 
laminge.  t — The  sensible  frog,  u — The  cushion.  v — The  navicular 
joint.  ,.^ 

It  will  be  observed  that  the  parts  exhibited  by  Fig.  5  are  plainly  named  on 
the  engraving.  Every  thoughtful  reader  will  observe  further  that  these  parts 
of  the  horse  are  most  wonderfully  put  together.  The  delicate  and  well- 
adapted  mechanism  is  not  surpassed  by  that  of  any  mechanical  combination 
ever  produced.  The  entire  structure  is  one  that  secures  the  utmost  elasticity 
and  freedom  of  movement,  with  the  immense  strength  needed  in  the  usual  work 
of  the  horse.  An  understanding  of  this  must  go  far  toward  compelling  care 
»nd  attention  in  all  that  pertains  to  the  foot  of  the  animal.  Shoeing,  and 
especially  service  on  rough,  stony  places,  should  be  subjects  of  constant  regard. 
The  next  cut  furnishes  a  beautiful  and  comprehensive  view  of  the  terms 
applied  to  the  various  parts  of  the  animal,  and  it  can  but  prove  of  great 
use  to  those  who  would  not  only  "talk  horse"  themselves,  but  understand 
the  talk  of  others — especially  of  veterinary  writers  when  treating  of  dis- 
orders, their  location,  and  the  proper  means  for  their  relief.  As  these  parts 
are  known  among  all  veterinary  writers  of  any  prominence,  by  the  names  ifr 


46 


ILLUSTRATED  STOCK   DOCTOR. 


epectively  given  to  them  here,  it  is  evident  that  in  order  to  intelligently  COOb 
prehend  the  directions,  not  only  of  this  work,  but  of  any  other  worthy  author- 
ity, the  reader  should  be  perfectly  familiar  with  the  "  Points  "  of  the  horse  ai 
given  in  this  illustration. 


Fig.  7.  KxiKRNAL  Taris  ok  the  Horse. 


Explanation. — 1.  The  muzzle.  2 — The  face.  3 — The  forehead.  4— 
The  poll.  5— The  crest.  6— The  jowl.  7— The  gullet.  8— The  wind- 
pipe. 9 — Point  of  the  shoulder.  10 — The  breast.  11. — The  arm.  12 
—The  elbow.  13— The  girth.  14— The  flank.  15— The  sheath.  16— 
The  stifle.  17— The  ^vithers.  18— The  back.  19— The  loins.  20^ 
The  hip.  21— The  croup.  22— The  dock.  23— The  quarter.  24— The 
thigh  or  gaskin.  25 — The  hamstring.  26 — The  point  of  hock.  27 — The 
hock,  (hough)  28 — ^The  cannon  bone  of  hind  leg.  29 — The  fetlock.  30 
— The  large  pastern.  31 — The  small  pastern.  32 — The  coronet.  33 — 
The  hoof.  34— The  knee.  35— The  cannon  of  fore  leg.  36— Tliefet- 
lock.  37— The  heel.  38— The  large  pastern.  39— The  smaW  ^Ur^k, 
40— The  hoof. 


CHAPTER  m. 
HOW  TO  TELL  A  HORSE'S  AGE., 


»    XlfOWLEDGE    OF   CHANGES    IN    THE   TEETH    THE    ONLY    MEANS. THIS    CHAyTOa  TO    BB 

STUDIED    IN  CONNECTION    WITH   THE   ACCOMPANYING    CHART. BUYERS  LIKELY,   WITH- 
OUT THIS  KNOWLEDGE,  TO    BE   DECEIVED. INCISORS    CHIEFLY   TO    BE   RELIED  ON. 

CONDITION  OF  A    FOAL'S   MOUTH. THE    CHANGES   THAT    FOLLOW. HOW  FOAL  TEETH 

ARK  TO  BB  DISTINGUISHED  FROM  HORSE  TEETH. WEARING  AWAY  OF  THE   GRINDER  OR 

ENAMELLED  PORTION. NUMBER  OF  TEETH    EN  A  FULL-GROWN  ANIMAL. DIFFERENCE 

BETWEEN  HORSES  AND  MARES  AS  TO  NUMBER. INCISORS,  HOOKS,  AND  "wOLF'S  TEETH." 

HOW  TO  DETERMINE  AGE   TILL  FOAL  IS  TWO  YEARS   OLD. HOW  FROM  TWO  TO  OLD 

AGE. THE  HORSE  OF  MEDIUM  SIZE  TO  BE  TAKEN  AS  A  STANDARD. SHOOTING  UP  AND 

GRINDING  OFF. IRREGULAR  TEETH  ;  HOW  TO  JUDGE. PECULIAR  HARDNESS  OP  BONES 

AND  SLOWNESS  OP  CHANGE  IN  CERTAIN  BREEDS. THE  MULE;  AGE   HARD  TO  FIND  OUT 

WITH  EXACTNESS. DECEPTIONS  ;  HOW  TO  DETECT. CRIB  BITERS  ;  HOW  TO  EXAMINE. 

TERMS  DEFINED. 

The  age  of  a  horse  is  to  be  accurately  determmed  only  by  an  examina- 
tion of  the  teeth,  with  a  knowledge  of  the  changes  which,  from  time  to 
time,  take  place  in  them.  The  following  directions,  studied  in  connec- 
tion with  the  drawings  exhibited  on  the  accompanying  chart,  and  the  ex- 
planations written  under  them,  will  enable  any  one  of  ordinary  acuteness 
and  powers  of  observation,  to  judge  for  himself,  and  thus  to  avoid  that 
most  common  of  all  the  jockey's  impositions,  a  liability  to  be  deceived 
in  the  age  of  horses  held  for  sale. 

The  incisors  furnish  the  chief  indications  ;  and  to  them  the  attention 
must  be  mostly  directed  ;  but  the  back  and  hook  teeth  should  be  observed 
to  some  extent,  as  their  condition  may  occasionally  serve  to  correct  and 
more  frequently  to  corroborate  the  indications  of  the  incisors. 

When  first  foaled,  the  colt  has  no  incisors.  Twelve  back  teeth  have  in 
most  cases  forced  their  points  by  this  time  through  the  gums  ;  but  it  is 
not  until  from  two  to  three  months  afterward  that  the  four  nippers  ap- 
pear ;  in  six  weeks  the  nippers  are  seen  ;  and  in  about  eight  months  the 
four  comer  teeth.     There  are  now,  at  eight  or  nine  months  old,  twenty- 


48  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

four  teeth,  (upper  and  lower),  QAWedi  foal-teeth .      These  are  all  changea 
by  the  fifth  or  sixth  year,  and  those  that  follow  are  called  horse-teeth. 

The  back  teeth  appear  as  follows :  the  three  front  double  pair  are  seen 
At  birth,  and  are  afterward  changed ;  the  fourth  double  pair  appear  from 
the  eio-hth  to  the  ninth  month  ;  (this  fourth  double  pair  are  the  first  that 
remain  stationary,  and  they  are  found  in  every  year-old  colt)  ;  the  fifth 
double  pair,  or  fifth  four,  appear  in  the  second  or  third  jq'av  ;  the  sixth, 
usually  in  the  fourth  or  early  in  the  fifth  year.  These  three  double  pairs 
of  back  teeth  (last  named),  remain  unchanged,  as  do  also  the  four  hook 
teeth. 

The  hook  teeth  are  uncertain  as  to  time  of  appearance,  coining  some 
times  at  the  end  of  the  third  year,  sometimes  in  the  middle  or  at  the  end 
of  the  fourth,  sometimes  in  the  middle  or  at  the  end  of  the  fifth,  some- 
times at  the  beginning  of  the  sixth. 

Observ^e  particularly  that  the  incisors  of  the  foal  differ  from  those  of 
the  horse  :  (1)  By  their  regular,  conical  formation;  (2)  by  a  narrow 
contraction  called  the  neck,  ^dsible  almost  in  the  center  of  the  body  of 
each  tooth,  while  nothing  of  the  kind  is  seen  in  horse-teeth  ;  (3)  by  their 
smaller  size,  even  when  full  grown.  The  milk  teeth,  (or  those  teeth 
which  are  cast  or  shed),  taken  from  the  jaws  of  dead  foals  and  compared 
with  horse-teeth  similarly  obtained,  are  found  to  be  only  about  half  as 
long  as  the  latter.  The  breadth  is  not  to  be  depended  on,  since  the  milk 
teeth  of  large  foals  appear  almost  as  broad  as  those  of  small  horses. 
AYhen  the  nippers  become  horse-teeth,  they  form  a  great  contrast  to  the 
middle  and  corner  teeth.  The  size  of  these  last  will  at  once  show  them 
to  be  milk  teeth.  (4)  By  the  fact  that  the  outer  surface  of  the  foal-teeth 
is  smooth  and  striped  with  brown,  while  on  horse-teeth  the  same  surface 
is  divided  by  a  dirty  A^ellow  indentation  inclining  toward  the  center, 
which  is  sometimes  double  upon  the  upper  teeth. 

One  should  stud}'^  the  form  of  the  incisors  by  carefully  examining 
those  taken  from  dead  horses  of  different  ages.  Each  incisor  vfHW.  be 
found  to  consist  of  a  hard,  enamelled  part,  called  the  grinder,  which  has 
protruded  above  the  gum  ;  of  a  bony  substance,  which  has  been  for  the 
most  part  hidden  in  the  gum ;  and  of  a  root,  which  has  occupied  the 
cavity  of  the  jaw-bone. 

These  teeth,  (of  the  foal  as  well  as  of  the  horse),  are  slowly  but  coii- 
tinualW  worn  away  by  biting  and  ch3wing,  so  that  the  length  is  constantly 
decreasing, — sometimes  evenly  and  regularly, — so  that  in  old  age  the 
tooth  that  was  once  two  and  a  half  or  three  inches  Ions;  is  found  to  be  not 
exceeding  half  an  inch  in  length.  The  breadth  generally  decreases  in 
about  the  same  proportion ;  but  with  this  difference  in  foal  and  horse- 
teeth,  that  the  thickness  and  breadth  of  foal-teeth  are  constantly  decreas- 


THE  HORSE,   HIS  AGE,  HOW  TO  TELL  IT.  49 

Ing  from  the  grinder  or  hard  enamelled  part  to  the  end  of  the  root,  while 
horse-teeth  decrease  from  the  root  upward.  The  grinder,  or  hard,  grat- 
ing portion  of  the  tooth,  which  has  not  yet  been  used,  has  somewhat  the 
form  of  an  egg ;  it  is  three  times  as  broad  as  thick,  and  hollowed  out  in 
the  shape  of  a  funnel,  which  hollow  has  two  sharp  edges  inclosing  it. 
This  socket  or  hollow  is  called  the  mark.  In  the  center  of  this  mark,  a 
sort  of  kernel  may  be  seen — a  tube  commencing  at  the  end  of  the  root — 
that  contains  the  nerves  of  the  tooth ;  but  this  inner  hole  must  always  be 
distinguished  from  the  mark,  which  is  the  outer  depression,  lying  next 
to  the  sharp  edges.  The  inner  cavity  is  a  funnel-shaped  socket,  of  hard, 
enamel  shell,  around  which,  and  inside  the  outward  shell,  is  a  thick  fluid, 
which  remains  during  the  life  of  the  tooth,  becoming,  by  degrees,  gray 
matter.  This  fluid  averages  about  four  lines  in  depth  in  the  lower  incis- 
ors and  about  eight  in  the  upper  ones. 

The  outer  edge  of  each  incisor  a,lways  rises  a  line  or  two  above  the 
inner  edge  ;  therefore,  when  the  upper  and  lower  are  first  grated  together, 
only  the  outer  edges  touch  for  some  time  ;  and  the  inner  edges  do  not 
touch  until  the  outer  ones  are  worn  down  to  an  equal  height  with  them. 
Horse-teeth  generally  do  this  in  about  one  year.  At  the  age  of  two  and 
a.  half,  the  teeth  begin  to  change,  and  those  which  then  appear  are  called 
Horse-teeth.     (See  chart.  Fig.  7,  A). 

A  full  grown  stallion  or  gelding  has  40,  and  a  mare  36  teeth^the  male 
having  four  hook  teeth  which  are  lacking  in  the  female,  except  that  some- 
times she  has  imperfect  teeth  in  the  corresponding  part  of  the  mouth. 
Those  teeth  found  in  some  young  horses,  next  to  the  first  double  teeth,  and 
called  "wolf's  teeth,"  are  not  included  in  this  number,  as  they  are  not 
real  teeth, — frequently  not  breaking  through  the  gums  at  all,  and  usually, 
in  any  case,  disappearing  in  eight  or  nme  years.  Twenty-four  of  the 
true  teeth,  in  both  horses  and  mares,  are  situated  in  the  upper  part  of  the 
mouth,  (that  is,  in  both  jaws,  above  the  lips).  They  are  divided  into  six 
double  pairs,  counting  upwards  from  below,  so  that  those  situated  next  to 
the  incisors  in  all  the  four  rows  are  first ;  those  next  to  them,  second  ; 
and  so  on  to  the  last  pair,  which  are  called  back  teeth. 

Twelve  others  are  in  the  lower  part  of  the  mouth,  surrounded  by  the 
lips,  six  in  the  upper  and  six  in  the  lower  jaw,  standing,  each  lot,  m  the 
form  of  an  arch,  and  occupying  the  entrance  to  the  hollow  of  the  mouth. 
These  twelve  are  called  incisors.  The  four  innermost,  two  in  each  jaw^- 
those  forming  the  key  of  each  arch^are  called  nippers  ;  the  other  two  :ji 
«ach  arch  are  called  corner  teeth  ;  and  those  between  the  nippers  and  the 
forner  teeth  are  called  middle  teeth.  Each  of  these  teeth  in  the  lower 
jaw  rubs  against  the  corresponding  one  in  the  upper  jaw.  The  teeth  of 
the  upper  jaw  are  broader  and  thicker  than  those  of  the  lower.     The  four 


50  ILLUSTRATED   STOCK   DOCTOR. 

hooks  are  seated  alone,  over  each  corner  tooth,  but  nearer  to  the  cornef 
teeth  of  the  upper  than  those  of  the  lower,  so  that  they,  (the  hooks), 
never  come  iu  contact  with  each  other. 

The  horse  has  always  attained  the  age  of  four  and  a  half  or  five  years 
before  he  has  a  full  number  of  perfect  teeth.  Before  this  time,  th« 
younger  the  animal  the  fewer  the  teeth,  and  even  these  are  not  all  perma- 
nent. 

The  more  a  permanent  incisor  loses  m  length,  by  friction,  the  more  it 
also  loses  in  width,  so  that  the  nearer  the  friction  surface  approaches  to 
the  root,  the  narrower  and  thicker  it  must  appear. 

Every  new  hook  tooth  is  cylindrical  and  somewhat  hooked,  with  a  cone^ 
shaped  projecting  grinder,  and  this  is  surrounded  by  a  spoon-shaped  edge, 
turned  toward  the  hollow  of  the  mouth,  so  that  the  cone  cannot  be  seen 
from  the  outside  ;  and  the  whole  grinder,  or  hard,  enamelled  part,  has 
the  appearance  of  the  back  part  of  the  bowl  of  a  spoon — the  edge,  like  a 
screen,  suiTounding  the  short  cone,  but  so  that  two  deep  furrows  remain 
between.  Except  this  grinder,  the  rest  of  the  body  is  uniformly  round, 
and  the  surface  almost  even.  As  pre\iously  said,  however,  these  by 
themselves  afford  no  reliable  indication  as  to  age. 

Figures  2,  3,  4,  5,  6  show  how  the  age  of  a  colt  may  be  determined 
till  he  is  two  years  old.  The  following  further  explanations,  taken  in 
connection  with  the  chart  from  Fig.  7  to  Fig.  46,  inclusive,  will  teach 
how  the  age,  from  two  to  thirty,  can  be  ascertained. 

Large  horses  have,  of  course,  larger  teeth  than  small  ones  ;  but  taking 
a  horse  of  medium  size  as  a  standard,  one  can  make  allowances  for  either 
larger  or  smaller,  and  easily  arrive  at  just  conclusions. 

The  incisors  being  our  main  reliance,  our  remarks  must  be  understood 
to  refer  chiefly  to  them.  The  length  of  the  tooth  of  a  horse  of  medium 
size  is  three  inches,  or  thirty-six  lines.  After  the  changed  tooth  has 
arrived  at  its  proper  length,  it  shoots  up  a  line  regularly  every  year,  and 
if  the  teeth  stand  right,  the  grinder  is  worn  off  a  line  every  year.  It  is 
also,  as  has  been  said,  worn  off  in  both  width  and  breadth,  so  that  the 
grinder  becomes,  from  year  to  year,  shorter  and  smaller,  as  shown  by  the 
chart. 

If,  however,  the  teeth  stand  too  far  forward,  (in-egular  teeth,  seo 
ehart.  Fig.  41),  they  do  not  wear  down  in  the  same  proportion  as  they 
shoot  upward,  and  they  become  very  long.  The  age  in  this  case  can  be 
ascertained  with  ease  and  exactness  by  observing  directions  given  under 
Fig.  41,  and  noticing  with  care  the  following  points  :  At  the  age  of  five 
years,  the  corner  teeth  of  the  low^er  jaw  have  grown  up  five  lines  above 
the  gum  ;  each  middle  tooth,  seven  lines  ;  and  each  nipper,  nine.  At 
eight  years,  and  older,  each  corner  tooth  of  the  same  horse  projects  only 


THE    HORSE,  HIS  AGE,  HOW  TO  TELL  IT.  51 

four,  the  middle  teeth,  six,  and  the  nippers,  eight  lines  above  the  gums. 
This  is  absolutely  necessary  to  be  taken  into  account,  because  it  is  the 
only  means  by  which  one  can  decide  with  certainty  as  to  the  age  of  a  horse 
whose  teeth  have  become  longer  than  they  would  have  been  if  set  right 
and  wearing  regularly. 

The  foregoing  remarks  and  directions  are  based  upon  the  assumption 
that  there  is  no  peculiarity  about  the  individual  animal  or  the  breed  to 
which  he  belongs  that  would  materially  interfere  with  the  principles  laid 
do^\ai.  It  remains,  however,  to  notice  that  to  those  breeds  of  horses 
which  develop  very  slowly,  of  which  the  Spanish  horse  may  be  cited  as 
an  example,  the  rules  are  a  little  more  diflScult  of  application.  The 
bones  of  these,  and  perhaps  of  some  few  other  kinds,  seem  to  be  harder, 
and  the  teeth  change  somewhat  later  and  appear  to  wear  down  more 
slowly ;  so  that  it  sometimes  happens  that  such  horses,  after  their  fifth 
vear,  appear  a  year  or  two  younger  than  they  really  are  ;  but  the  same 
animals  are  apt  to  be  more  than  ordinarily  strong,  hardy,  and  long-lived, 
and  to  be  taken  at  a  diminished  age  really  detracts  nothing  from  their 
worth. 

The  age  of  a  mule  is  somewhat  difficult  to  determine  with  exactness, 
owing  to  the  cause  just  stated. 

Deceptions  may  be  practiced  with  very  thrifty  young  horses,  when  it  is 
desirable  to  make  them  appear  of  suitable  age  for  work  or  for  breeding, 
by  knocking  out  the  incisors  a  year  sooner  than  they  would  naturally 
change  themselves.  If  a  purchaser  suspects  deception,  he  can  determine 
the  matter  by  closely  examining  the  remaining  teeth.  If  the  nippers 
have  changed,  and  the  inner  edges  of  the  corner  teeth  have  not  yet  come 
into  contact,  the  foal  is  but  one  year  old  —  and  so  on. 

The  opposite  cheat  —  that  of  trying  to  make  a  horse  appear  younger 
than  he  really  is  by  burning  artificial  marks  in  upon  the  teeth  —  can  be 
detected  by  closely  examining  the  enamel  and  the  effect  of  the  mark 
upon  it.  When  a  horse  has  reached  an  advanced  age,  say  twelve  to 
twenty,  the  enamelled  surface  has  become  so  minute  that  burning  in  as 
large  a  mark  as  is  found  in  horses  considerably  younger  would  disturb 
the  whole  enamel  and  so  leave  a  means  of  detecting  the  fraud. 

In  the  case  of  crib-biters,  that  wear  out  their  teeth  prematurely,  and 
so  appear  really  older  than  they  are,  examination  must  be  directed  to  the 
comer  teeth,  which  are  seldom  injured ;  or,  if  the  corner  teeth  prove  to 
be  injured,  deduct  from  the  apparent  age  as  many  lines  as  are  wanting  to 
make  the  teeth  of  the  natural  length.  To  feed  constantly,  from  weaning 
time,  upon  hard,  unshelled  corn,  sometimes  produces  the  same  effect  as 
crib-biting,  and  the  same  directions  must  be  followed  in  forming  an 
estimate. 


52  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

We  close  the  chiiptcr  with  a  short  vocabulary,  by  reference  to  whiclb 
the  reader  may  more  readily  api)rehend  the  meaning  of  the  terms 
Employed  in  the  ensuing  chart. 

Incisor. — A  cutter ;  a  fore-tooth  which  cuts  or  bites.  In  the  horse, 
those  twelve  teeth,  six  in  the  upper  jaw,  six  in  the  lower,  which  are 
surrounded  by  the  lips,  are  called  incisors. 

Grinder. — As  used  in  the  present  chapter,  it  denotes  the  hard,  grating, 
upper  portion  of  the  front  teeth. 

Line. — One-twelfth  of  an  inch. 

IVIark. — As  used  with  reference  to  horse  teeth,  it  denotes  that  depres- 
t;ion  in  the  grinder  lying  inside  the  sharp  edges  and  adjacent  to  them. 

Nippers. — ^Those  two  teeth  in  each  jaw  that  occupy  the  middle  of  the 
semi-circular  row. 

Corner  Teeth. — The  two  outer  of  the  six  front  teeth  in  each  jaw. 

Middle  Teeth. — The  teeth  between  the  nippers  and  the  comer  teeth. 

Hooks. — Four  teeth,  two  in  each  jaw,  situated  over  corner  teeth,  or 
beyond  the  incisors,  reckoning  from  the  front  of  the  lips,  and  having  a 
cylindrical  and  somewhat  hooked  shape. 

Milk  Teeth. — The  front  teeth  of  a  foal  which  appear  at  about  thre9 
flDonths  of  age  and  are  cast  within  two  or  three  years. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


DIPPERENT  BREEDS  AND  THEIR  CHARACTERISTICS. 


I.     THE     INFERIOR    VARIETIES:     MANY    FOUND  IN    BOTH    HEMISPHERES.       SOME    GOOD,  BITl 

LITTLE  KNOWN  OF  THEM. II.      SOME  CONSIDERED  AS  TO  WORK  RATHER  THAN  BREED; 

THE  FARM   HORSE;   THE    HUNTER;   THE    HACKNEY;    HORSES    FOR    HEAVY    DRAFT. lU. 

THE    ARABIAN. IV.        THE    BARB. V.      THE    ENGLISH    THOROUGHBRED. VI.      THE 

PERSIAN. VII.      THE    TURK. VIII.      THE    TURKOMAN. IX.      THE    EGYPTIAN. X. 

THE  DONGOLA. XI.  THE  NORMAN  PERC  HERON. XII.  THE  THOROUGHBRED  IN  AMER- 
ICA.  XIII.  THE  MORGAN. XIV.  THE  NARRAGANSETT  PACER. XV.  THE  CANA- 
DIAN.  XVI.     THE  CONNESTOGA. XVII.      PONIES. 

I.   The  Inferior  and  Little  Known. 

Among  the  great  variety  of  horses  there  are  many  that  are  either  of 
inferior  importance  or  so  little  known  that  it  is  deemed  unnecessary  to 
notice  them  in  detail.  India,  China,  Japan,  Siam,  several  of  the  Euro- 
pean States,  and  North  and  South  America,  have  horses  that  are  in  some 
instances  widely  different  from  each  other,  as  well  as  from  the  approved 
breeds  ;  but  they  are  not  known  to  possess  any  remarkable  excellence,  or 
any  distinctive  points  that  are  constantly  reproduced  in  their  offspring, — 
so  that  a  mere  casual  reference  to  them,  with  very  general  statements  as 
to  qualities  and  characteristics,  is  considered  to  be  sufficient. 

In  India  alone  there  are  various  stocks,  known  to  have  been  so  loner  in 
the  various  regions  of  that  great  country  as  to  seem  native  to  the  soil ; 
but  with  the  exception  of  the  Turko,  recognized  to  be  a  cross  between 
the  Turkoman  or  South  Tartary  breed  and  the  Persian,  they  are  regarded 
as  cold  blooded  and  inferior.  The  Turko  is  said  to  carry  himself  in  a 
grand  and  stately  way,  and  to  be  both  beautiful  and  tractable. 

The  Tartar  and  Calmuck  horses,  with  the  exception  of  the  Turkoman, 
which  is  described  elsewhere  in  this  chapter,  are  for  the  most  part  small 
and  ill-made.  They  are  hardy,  however,  being  able  to  perform  great 
journeys,  with  burdens  disproportioned  to  their  size,  and  to  live  on  tl.i.^ 
poorest  fare. 

4  53 


64  ILLUSTRATED   STOCK   DOCTOR. 

The  horses  of  China  are  small,  and  have  no  points  of  excellence  as  tm 
either  shape  or  spirit. 

The  horses  of  1  urkestan  have  been  described  by  some  as  having  heavy 
heads  and  ewe-necks,  with  long  legs  and  a  scanty?  body ;  while  otbei-* 
speak  of  high  crests  and  long,  bony  bodies,  and  assert  these  hor»e# 
crossed  with  those  of  Persia,  produce  magnificent  animals — elegant* 
active,  strong,  and  larger  than  the  best  Arabians.  In  Bokhara  is  a  breed 
of  small  and  shaggy  but  stout  horses,  called  Kussaks,  which  has  attracted 
some  attention.  Their  manes  and  tails  are  long  as  compared  with  their 
general  make  up. 

Bel2:ium,  Holland,  and  the  German  states  have  breeds  of  horses  noted 
only,  or  chiefly  at  least,  for  being  large,  strong,  and  well-formed,  and 
admirably  adapted  to  purposes  of  heav}^  draft. 

In  the  forests  of  Sweden,  Finland,  and  Norway  is  found  a  race  of 
horses  in  a  half  wild  state,  from  which  the  inhabitants,  mthout  taking 
upon  themselves  the  trouble  of  breeding  and  rearing,  suppW  themselves 
when  the  creatures  are  wanted  for  use.  They  are  small,  but  well-formed. 
active,  and  spirited. 

The  Hungarian  horse,  though  e^'idently  of  the  same  origin  as  those  of 
Germany,  is  somewhat  lighter  than  they,  and  possesses  more  spirit  and 
action.  He  shows  some  signs  of  oriental  blood,  to  which  he  probably 
owes  his  superiority  to  his  neighbors. 

The  horses  of  Iceland  run  at  large  and  pick  up  their  own  scanty  fare, 
wherever  they  can  find  it,  until  they  are  needed  by  the  inhabitants,  when 
they  are  caught  and  subjected  to  use.  The  origin  of  these  animals  is  in 
doubt.  Some  assert  that  their  progenitors  were  carried  into  that  island 
from  the  forests  of  SAveden ;  others,  that  they  were  of  the  stock  of 
ponies  found  in  the  Scottish  isles.  They  are  small,  but  active,  and  gen- 
erally well  disposed. 

The  horses  of  Italy  were  formerly  much  better  than  now.  Few  of 
them  may  at  present  be  regarded  as  possessing  any  striking  excellence. 
There  are  said  to  ))e  some,  among  the  people  of  Naples,  that  are  large, 
cf  fine  appearance,  and  excellent  as  carriage  horses. 

The  French  people  have  many  breeds,  adapted  to  the  saddle,  the  light 
«arria«-e,  cavalry,  and  light  artillery,  besides  those  that  are  required  for 
the  plow  and  the  cart.  The  most  famous  among  them  is  the  Norman, 
or  Norman  Percheron,  which  is  described  elsewhere  in  this  chapter. 

The  fact  is  well  established  that  the  horses  of  Spain,  previous  to  tho 
Moorish  conquest,  were  possessed  of  many  noble  qualities  ;  but  they 
were  much  improved  by  a  mixture  of  Barb  blood,  consequent  upon  th» 
\xvasion  and  the  introduction  of  horses  from  the  Barbary  States.     The^ 


THE  HORSE,  DIFFERENT  BREEDS,  Eio.  !)?> 

ttill  show  both  their  original  and  derived  excellences  ;  and  a  pure-blood 
Spanish  Barb  is  a  fine  and  beautiful  creature. 

In  the  plains  of  South  America,  Mexico,  Texas,  and  the  Western 
Territories  of  the  United  States  are  found  great  herds  of  wild  horses,  of 
vrhich  there  are  different  varieties,  though  they  must  have  had  a  common 
origin,  as  we  have  stated  in  Chapter  I.  Chance  mixture  with  horses 
imported  into  the  country  subsequentl}^  to  those  brought  from  Spain, 
together  ^ith  the  influences  of  different  climates  and  food  to  which  they 
have  long  been  subject,  may  perhaps  account  for  this.  The  most  marked 
types  of  these  wild  Americans  are  the  Mustang  and  the  Indian  ponies, 
which  are  noticed  on  succeeding  pages.  As  a  general  thing  they  retain 
the  strildng  characteristics  of  their  old  Spanish  or  Audalusian  progenitors  ; 
in  size,  shape,  and  spirit  they  show  whence  they  are  derived.  Their 
heads  are  pretty  and  their  limbs  clean.  They  are  capable  of  great 
endurance  ;  and  though  not  especially  rapid  in  action,  it  is  related  of 
them  that  they  are  sometimes  ridden  at  the  rate  of  ten  or  twelve  miles 
an  hour  for  a  stretch  of  eighty  miles,  without  an3i:hing  more  than  a 
temporar}^  halt  and  such  little  food  as  could  be  hastily  eaten.  Seldom  is 
any  gait  knoT^^l  among  them  except  a  walk  and  a  lope  ;  but  an  occasional 
pacer  is  discovered.  Many  of  them  do  well  for  the  saddle  ;  but  care  is 
required  in  handling  them.  In  the  hands  of  the  cruel  or  inconsiderate, 
their  wild  nature  returns  to  them,  and  they  become  intractable  and  even 
dangerous. 

H.    Some  Considered  as  to  Work,  rather  than  Breed. 

In  treating  of  the  different  stocks  and  specifying  distinguishing  points, 
it  is  perhaps  not  amiss  to  consider  some  characteristics  that  should  mark 
animals  chosen  or  set  aside  for  special  purposes.  And  yet  in  this  considera- 
tion it  must  not  be  forgotten,  that  very  few  horses,  comparatively,  are  kept  for 
but  one  class  of  duties.  Few  horses  are  for  the  saddle  exclusively,  as  compared 
with  those  who  render  service  in  harness  at  times,  as  well  as  under  saddle. 
And  so  with  other  grades  of  horses.  A  varied  work  is  usually  required,  and 
■especially  so  among  farmers,  and  the  well-to-do  residents  of  cities  and  villages. 

The  good  farm  horse  cannot,  of  course,  be  confined  to  any  particular 
breed.  If  he  combines  within  himself  certain  desirable  qualities,  it  is 
iiot  pertinent  to  inquire  particularly  what  blood  he  carries.  Some  pointif 
that  should  distinguish  him  may  be  thus  enumerated :  He  should  b« 
close-built  and  strong,  but  not  gross  and  clumsy,  since  he  is  to  serve  as  i) 
sort  of  horse  of  all  work — doing  duty,  by  turns,  under  the  saddle,  and 
before  the  plow,  the  farm-waojon  and  the  carriage. 


M 


ILLUSTKATED   STOCK    DOCTOK. 


-  ,:••  ;:i""'  ■■'■•V' 


A  Good  Horse  for  Light  Driving. 


A   Good  Horse  for  all  Work. 


THE  HORSE,   DIFFERENT  BREEDS,  ETC.  57 

Fifteen  to  sixteen  hands  mark  the  proper  stature  ;  and  his  limbs  should 
be  sinewy  without  absolute  heaviness,  while  his  feet  should  >)e  of  medium 
size.  He  should  be  reasonably  springy  under  the  saddle,  and  active, 
without  dash,  in  light  harness .  To  these  he  should  add  a  certain  thrif tiness, 
that  mil  enable  him  to  appear  well  even  under  good,  close  work,  if  well 
treated  ;  and  in  temper  he  should  be  mild.  His  breaking  in  and  training 
should  have  been  such  as  to  render  him  readily  adaptable  to  any  work 
that  he  may  be  called  upon  to  perform  about  the  country  home. 

The  hunter^  or  horse  for  the  chase,  speaking  mth  reference  to  a 
pastime  which  is  still  common  in  England,  but  to  which  little  or  no 
importance  is  attached  in  this  country,  is  usually  the  better  esteemed  for 
having  some  blood,  but  more  for  the  absolute  feats  of  speed  and  leaping 
which  he  may  be  able  to  perform,  and  for  his  ability  to  stand  a  hard 
day's  run. 

The  best  hunters  are  said  to  be  a  combination  of  the  thorough-bred 
with  some  coarser  animal — producing  more  strength,  substance,  and 
hardihood,  with  less  length  of  body.  He  is  at  the  present  time  what 
may  be  oalled  three-quarters  bred  ;  and  he  is  lighter  and  more  fleet  than 
formerly. 

The  engraving  upon  the  page  next  following,  entitled  "A  light  hunting 
horse,"  conveys  an  excellent  idea  of  what  tliis  horse  is  now  most  commonly 
found  to  be. 

That  is  to  say,  a  horse  of  good  style  and  form,  capable  of  long  con- 
tinued exertion  under  the  weight  of  an  ordinary  sized  man,  and  also 
capable  of  showing  as  high  a  rate  of  speed  as  possible,  combined  with  an 
aptitude  to  leap  successfully  such  obstacles  as  may  ordinarily  interpose 
In  all  this  class  of  horses,  whether  they  be  light  or  heavy  weight  animals, 
blood — that  is,  the  possessor  of  a  fair  amount  of  thorough  blood  as  trans- 
mitted by  thoi ough-bred  sires — is  absolutely  necessary.  It  gives  style, 
form,  hard  and  fine  bones,  muscular  tissue,  lung  power,  and  all  this 
means  endurance  to  perform  feats  under  which  the  cold  blooded  horse 
would  soon  succumb.  Such  a  horse  as  the  engraving  shows  will  not  only 
make  a  capital  saddle  horse,  but  also  a  most  valuable  horse  for  general 
utility,  if  properly  broken,  good  for  the  light  carriage  and  buggy  and 
good  also  at  a  load  if  properly  trained  and  handled ;  but  let  it  always  be 
remembered  that  in  as  much  as  you  put  a  saddle  horse,  and  especially  a 
hunting  horse,  to  labor,  you  detract  from  his  value  in  the  field.  This  is  to  be 
regretted  possibly,  especially  by  those  of  somewhat  limited  purse,  but  such  is 
the  fact  nevertheless.  The  best  work  in  many  lines  cannot  be  had  at  one  and 
the  same  time  from  one  and  the  same  animal.  Excellence  in  some  poiati 
necessitates  unfitness  elsewhere. 


ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 


During  the  last  century,  lunvever,  and  the  tirst  of  this,  it  was  deemed 
Wteentiafthat  he  should  be  a  heavier  hoi-se  — an  animal  capable  of  making 


prodigious  leaps  while  carn-mg  a  heav\^  weight.     This  t^-pe  is  weU  reprd' 
Stated  by  the  subjoined  cut  of  "A  heaA-ier  hunting  horse." 


THE  HORSE,  DIFFERENT  BREEDS,  ETC. 


59 


The  Hackney,  as  the  horse  of  all  saddle  and  light  harness  purposes,  the 
eommon  roadster,  or  general  knock-about,  is  temied  in  England,  may  he 
Considered  in  pretty  much  the  same  light  as  the  good  farm-hor^e  pro- 


▼iously  noticed.  Among  the  English  people  it  seems  to  be  essential  tkat 
an  animal  must  at  least  be  supposed  to  possess  some  blood  before  he  can 
be  considered  a  good  hackney.     "When  known,  or  believed,  to  have  9 


69 


ILLUSTKATEL)  STOCK  DOCTOR. 


streak  of  the  thorough-bred  in  him,  and  to  possess  the  foUowmg  charac- 
teristics, nothing  more  is  desirable  : 

He  must  be  about  fifteen  hands  high ;  both  his  fore  and  hind  parts 
must  be  strong  and  well  muscled ;  he  should  be  short  in  the  back  and 
Well  ^upled ;  his  chest  should  bo  wide  and  deep,  allowing  full  play  for 


thr)  /ungs  ;  his  head  should  be  light  and  his  neck  carried  well  up ;  his 
limns  should  be  clean  and  bony,  and  with  somewhat  oblique  pasterns  ;  ho 
should  be  quick  and  springy ;  and  in  temper  he  should  be  kind  and  easily 
»ontrolled. 


THE  JIOKSE,  DIFFERENT  BREEDS,  ETC. 


61 


Of  Heavy  Draft  Horses  there  are  several  breeds  in  both  England  and 
the  United  States  ;  or  rather,  several  kinds  that  have  some  of  the  blood  and 
gome  of  the  characteristics  of  the  old  heavy  draft  animals.  When  it 
became  the  fashion  in  England  to  seek  admixture  with  the  heavy  mares 
and  stallions  of  Belgium  or  Flanders,  the  English  draft  stock  was  really 
much  improved,  though  several  English  breeds  soon  lost  thereby,  for  th« 
most  part,  their  identity. 


The  Cleveland  Bay,  a  powerful  horse,  though  not  of  extraordinary 
size,  was  found  chiefly  in  the  four  Counties  of  Yorkshire,  Durham,  Lin- 
colnshire, and  Northumberland.  He  was  capable  of  carrying  a  great 
Weight ,  and  of  maintaining  under  it  a  rapid  rate  of  speed .  A  lighter  horse , 
and  one  better  adapted  to  the  carriage,  was  produced  by  crossing  the 


g2  ILLUSTR-VTED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

Cleveland  mare  with  a  good-sized  thorough-bred  stallion.  The  best 
hunters  and  hackneys,  having  an  arched  crest  and  i)roud  action,  were  pro- 
duced bv  crossinir  the  Cleveland  mare  with  a  horse  liirhter  than  the  tru« 
thorough-breds,  yet  possessing  real  spirit  and  quick  movement.  The 
Cleveland,  as  a  distinct  breed,  is  nearly  extinct. 

The  Suffolk  Punch  is  considered  to  be  an  excellent  heavy  draft  horse. 
He  is  believed  to  be  the  offspring  of  the  Suffolk  cart-mare  and  the  Nor- 
man stallion.  When  further  crossed  with  the  Yorkshu'e  half-bred,  (the 
product  of  the  Cleveland  Bay  and  the  thorough-bred),  he  is  active,  spir- 
ited, and  indomitable  at  a  pull. 

The  Suffolk,  now  hardly  known  as  a  distinct  breed,  was  a  horse  of 
good  size,  being  ordinarily  from  fifteen  to  sixteen  hands  high,  and  v^ry 
stout  in  proportion.  His  distinguishing  color  was  sorrel ;  he  had  a  large 
head  ;  his  shoulders  were  thick  on  top  and  low  ;  his  chest  was  round  and 
deep  ;  he  had  round  legs  and  short  pastenis  ;  his  back  was  long ;  his  croup 
high  ;  his  flanks  full ;  his  quarters  heavy  and  strong  ;  and  he  was  every 
way  a  spirited  and  determined  animal,  active  and  enduring. 

The  Clydesdale  horse,  found  principally  on  the  Clyde  in  Scotland,  was 
the  product  of  certain  Scottish  mares  with  Flanders  stallions.  He  is  a 
larger  horse  than  the  Suffolk,  but  less  clumsy  in  appearance,  as  his  head 
is  better  and  his  baiTel  lighter.  He  has  a  long  neck  and  deep  legs  :  and 
is  strong,  hardy,  patient,  and  a  faithful  puller.  Some  of  the  horses  in 
the  United  States  said  to  be  of  this  stock  presei'\e  most  of  these  charac- 
teristics, but  their  bodies  are  rounder  and  their  neck^  are  not  pai-ticularly 
noted  for  length.     An  extended  description  will  be  given  farther  on. 

Between  Lincolnshire  and  Staffordshire,  in  the  midland  counties  of 
England,  is  found  Avhat  is  called  the  Heavy  Black  Horse,  a  large,  well- 
built  animal,  of  splendid  appearance,  and  much  in  demand  m  London  and 
elsewhere  as  a  wagon-horse ;  but  no  horses  of  this  partloulai*  kind  are 
kno\\'n  to  have  been  brought  to  America  for  breeding  jiurpo^es. 

Of  American  heavy  draft  stock,  the  Vennont  cart-horse  is  desening  of 
special  mention.  He  is  said  by  one  who  is  considered  good  authority  to 
exist  in  Vermont  and  adjacent  States  as  a  distinct  breed,  and  to  be  the 
very  model  of  what  a  good  cart-horse  should  be — cjuick  and  full  of  power, 
yet  easily  managed.  As  a  general  thing,  he  has  a  well-set  head,  a  lofty 
crest,  thin  withers,  mane  and  tail  medium,  and  clean  fetlocks.  He  has 
sufficient  action  to  insure  a  good  rate  of  speed,  and  makes,  upon  tlio 
whole,  a  fine  show. 

His  origin  seems  doubtful.  There  is  a  pony  appearance  about  him, 
though  often  more  than  sixteen  hands  high — his  peculiar  shortness  oi 
bftck,  roundness  of  body,  and  general  compactness  contributing  to  maVg 


1H£   HORSE,    DIFFERENT   BREEDS,    ETC. 


ftl 


?     2 


<     s 


Q    5- 


O 


F 


,^-v^ 


m  THE  HORSE,  DIFFERENT  BREEDS,  ETC. 

him  seem  much  less  in  bulk  than  he  is  found  to  be  by  actual  measure* 
iilent. 

III.    The  Arabian. 

We  come  now  to  notice  some  of  the  most  distinct,  strongly  marked, 
»nd  valuable  breeds,  among  which  the  Arabian,  or  that  species  of  the 
Arabian  best  known  to  us,  is  justly  celebrated. 

Whether  the' present  pure  blood  Arab  is  native  to  Arabia  or  imported ; 
whether  of  recent  origin  or  of  a  lineage  as  ancient  as  the  sculptured  ruins 
of  Nineveh  and  Babylon,  it  is  needless  to  inquire  ;  but  the  people  of  that 
country  claim  that  they  have  authentic  pedigrees  reaching  back  for  more 
than  two  thousand  years ;  while  on  the  other  hand,  it  is  asserted  by  some 
who  have  tried  to  discover  the  real  origin  of  this  famous  stock  that  prior 
to  the  thirteenth  century  the  horses  of  Arabia  were  a  poor  race  and  lightly 
esteemed.  Be  that  as  it  ma}^,  the  horse  of  the  present  day,  so 
renowned  throughout  the  world,  undoubtedly  began  to  attract  notice  some 
five  or  six  hundred  years  ago,  since  which  time  he  has  grown  into  his 
great  repute ;  and  now  the  best  horses  of  most  civilized  lands  are 
thoufirht  to  derive  their  hiofhest  claims  to  noble  descent  from  the  Arabic 
Kochlani,  and  those  of  his  congeners  that  have  shared  his  excellences. 

In  a  subsequent  chapter  the  subject  of  breeding  will  be  appropriately 
treated ;  but  we  may  advert  here  to  a  singular  fact  in  connection  with  the 
sons  of  the  desert  and  the  horse  that  shares  their  name  and  their  affec- 
tions. So  thoroughly  are  the  principles  of  breeding  understood  among 
them,  or  such  is  their  extraordinary  care,  (and  perhaps  climatic  influence 
may  have  something  to  do  TN-ith  it),  that  their  horses  long  since  reached 
a  degree  of  perfection  unrivalled  in  any  country,  and  this  perfection  is 
steadily  maintained. 

Travelers  differ  as  to  the  number  and  names  of  the  distinct  breeds  of 
liorses  which  are  found  in  Arabia  ;  but  a  comparatively  recent  Mohamme- 
dan writer,  who  seems  to  have  had  more  than  ordinary  opportunities  for 
knowing  the  facts  in  the  case,  has  stated  that  there  are  six  distinct  breeds, 
which  he  names  and  characterizes  thus  : 

(1)  The  Dgclfe,  found  chiefly  in  Arabia  Felix,  seldom  seen  at  Damas- 
cus, but  common  in  the  neighborhood  of  Anaze.  Horses  of  this  breed 
arc  of  lofty  stature,  have  narrow  chests,  but  are  deep  in  the  girth,  and 
their  ears  are  long.  They  are  remarkable  for  spirit  and  fleetness,  but  are 
exceedingly  tractable,  and  their  abilit}^  to  endure  hunger  and  thirst  is  a 
remarkal)le  feature.  A  two-year-old  colt,  he  says,  will  co>st  in  his  own 
country  two  thousand  Turkish  piasters. 

(2)  The  Secaloni,  a  breed  from  the  eastern  part  of  the  desert,  som«« 
what  inferior  to  the  Dgelfe,  though  resembling  him  in  most  points. 


ILLUSTRATED    STOCK   DOCTOR.  65 

(3)  The  Mefki,  he  informs  us,  is  a  handsome  horse  ;  but  he  is  not  so 
fleet  as  either  the  DgeKe  or  the  Secaloni.  In  figure,  he  bears  a  resem- 
blance to  the  Spanish  or  Andalusian  stock. 

(4)  A  fourth  breed  is  called  the  Sabi,  which  is  similar  to  the  Mefki, 
but  seems  to  possess  no  specially  useful  or  striking  qualities. 

(5)  The  Fridi.  This  breed  is  very  common  ;  but  they  are  often  vicious 
and  untrustworthy,  and  lack  some  of  the  excellent  qualities  possessed  by 
file  best  of  the  others. 

(6)  The  Nejdi,  found  chiefly  in  the  region  of  Bussorah.  These  are 
said  to  be  at  least  the  equals  of  the  Dgelfe  and  the  Secaloni.  Some 
judges  assert  that  there  is  no  horse  to  be  compared  with  them,  and  they 
stand  very  high  in  the  market. 

This  wi'iter  considers  the  Dgelfe  and  the  Nejdi  to  be  the  most  valuable. 
They  are  known  to  be  the  favorites  of  the  horse-fanciers  of  India,  many 
fine  animals  of  these  stocks  having  been  carried  tliither  by  the  sportsmen 
of  that  country. 

Other  writers  make  mention  of  but  three  distinct  breeds,  to  which  they 
attribute  names  different  from  those  above  given ;  and  it  is  difficult  to 
reconcile  the  statements  of  the  two,  and  to  determine  whether  they  have 
really  agreed  in  any  way  in  pointing  out  the  same  animal,  though  by 
diverse  names,  as  possessing  the  striking  excellences  which  have  made  a 
certain  breed  famous  and  well  known  to  us.  Writers  of  the  latter  class 
speak  of  an  inferior  race,  little  esteemed,  at  home  or  abroad,  which  they 
call  the  Attechi.  These  are  sometimes  found  in  a  wild  state.  Then  come 
the  Kadischi,  a  sort  of  half-breed  stock,  possessing  some  points  of  resem- 
blance to  the  true  blood,  and  being  sometimes  imposed  upon  dealers  for 
the  genuine.  Finally,  they  describe  a  superb  race,  the  pure  descendants 
of  some  extraordinary  ancestors,  and  these  they  call  the  Kochlani  or 
Kailhan.  The  best  of  them  are  found  among  the  Shammar  and  Aneyza 
tribes.  The  Arabs  themselves  pretend  to  trace  the  Kochlani  back  to  the 
days  and  the  stables  of  Solomon.  While  this  cannot  be  credited,  it  is 
known  that  some  of  them  have  written  pedigrees  for  at  least  four  hundred 
years,  kept  with  the  most  extreme  care,  and  always  on  the  side  of  the 
mare.  These  animals  are  sometimes  sold  to  foreigners ;  but  they  bear 
almost  fabulous  prices,  and  it  is  believed  to  be  a  very  rare  thing  for  a 
true  Kochlani  to  fall  into  the  hands  of  a  strans^er. 

The  striking  points  of  the  pure  Arab  maybe  thus  stated:  In  size, 
he  is  considerably  smaller  than  the  modern  thorough-bred,  scarcely  ever 
exceeding  in  height  fourteen  and  a  half  hands.  His  head  is  extraordinary 
for  its  beauty, — the  forehead  being  broad  and  square,  the  muzzle  short 
and  fine,  so  that  some  of  them  seem  as  though  they  could  really  **  stick 
their  noses  into  a  tumbler."     The  face,  upon  which  the  veins  appear 


«^ 


II.LUSTRATKD    STOCK    DOCTOR. 


THE  HORSE,  DIFFERENT  BREEDS,  ETC.  Q^ 

beautifully  coursed,  is  bony;  the  nostrils  are  wide;  the,  well-set  ears 
are  small,  while  the  eyes  are  large,  promment  and  brilliant.  The  necu:, 
vising  beautifully  from  the  shoulders,  and  well  arched,  is  xery  fine  ;  the 
withers  arc  high  and  moderately  thin ;  the  shoulder,  inclining  backward, 
is  perfect  in  form  and  position — muscular  as  well  as  finely  shaped.  Tho 
body  is  light  and  narrow  before  ;  but  behind  the  arms  the  chest  io 
expanded  and  affords  sufficient  capacity  for  the  lungs  ;  the  hips,  though 
somcAvhat  narrow,  are  well  united  to  the  back,  and  the  quai*ters  are 
strong,  muscular,  and  well  set.  The  legs  are  small,  flat,  sinewy ;  the 
pasterns  are  oblique  in  their  position  ;  the  croup  is  high,  while  the  tail  is 
set  on  mth  considerable  arch.  The  muscles  of  the  arm,  like  those  of 
the  ham,  are  full  and  strong.  The  bones  of  the  leg  are  large  in  propor- 
tion to  the  size,  there  being  no  superfluous  fatty  matter,  but  full,  free, 
strong,  and  clean  tendons  and  suspensory  ligaments.  The  hocks  are 
large,  ])ut  free  from  both  curbs  and  spavins  ;  while  the  feet  are  small  and 
sound.  The  elbow  joint  is  prominent  but  fine,  and  generally  plays  clear 
of  the  body. 

Especially  does  the  Arab  differ  from  other  breeds  in  the  superior 
fineness  of  his  muzzle  ;  the  somewhat  hollowed  but  graceful  face ;  the 
fully  developed  jaws  that  yet  give  no  impression  of  heaviness  ;  the  beau- 
tifulh^  pricked  and  exquisite  shape  of  the  ear ;  the  conspicuous  neatness 
of  the  leg  beloAV  the  knee  ;  and  the  beautiful  make  of  the  hind  quarters. 
The  fleetest  among  them  are  also  noted  for  a  straight-dropped  hind  leg, 
which  is  always  regarded  as  a  good  point.  A  true  Arabian  has  been 
described  as  "looking  the  gentleman  all  over,  with  a  bearing  as  statel;^ 
as  that  of  an  autocrat." 

In  spirit  he  is  as  noble  as  in  his  physical  formation.  Though  kind  and 
docile  when  mth  his  native  master,  he  is  sensitive  and  full  of  spirit,  and 
when  excited  is  so  indomitable  that  he  would  run  or  pull  to  the  death 
rather  than  yield.  With  a  cruel  master  he  is  apt  to  become  in  a  measuro 
ungovernable  ;  but  his  intelligence  is  such  that  proper  treatment  will  soou 
win  his  confidence  and  remove  a  vicious  habit. 

His  sagacity  is  as  remarkable  as  his  susceptibility  to  kind  treatment. 
Instances  are  not  wanting  in  which  his  master,  overcome  by  the  heat  of 
the  desert,  and  lost  in  a  lethargic  sleep,  has  been  watched  over  by  hu 
faithful  animal,  and  guarded  from  the  approach  of  man  and  beast. 

The  colors  mostly  prevalent  among  them  are  bay,  gray,  and  chestnut. 
Occasionally  a  black  is  found. 

He  is  not  so  swift  as  the  best  English,  French,  and  American  courser* 
nor  is  it  here  that  his  great  excellence  must  be  sought.     That  arises  from 
a  combination  of  qualities,  to  some  of  which  the  best  of  other  breeds  am 
wholly  strangers. 


68  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK   DOCTOR. 

He  IS  peculiarly  adapted  to  that  waste  and  barren  country,  and  to  th© 
uses  for  which  he  is  prized  by  the  a\  andering  tribes.  The  food  and  drink 
upon  which  he  can  live  and  perform  great  journeys  Avould  be  wholly  inad- 
equate to  the  keeping  of  one  of  ours  which  we  are  pleased  to  call  thrifty. 

As  has  ])ccn  said,  this  remarkaljle  stock  has  long  maintained  its  essen- 
tial purity  ;  nor  docs  it  show,  in  recent  times,  any  tendency  to  degenerate. 
Those  good  Arabians  that  are  offered  for  sale  to  British  residents  and 
other  horse  dealers  in  the  markets  of  Bengal  and  Bombay  command  prices 
ranging  from  seven  hundred  and  fifty  to  one  thousand  dollars  ;  and  it  is 
said  by  travelers  that  their  best  mares  are  seldom  if  ever  sold. 

IV.    The  English  Thorough-bred. 

We  have  already  referred  to  different  varieties  of  English  horses,  some 
of  which  have  had  more  or  less  influence  upon  those  of  our  own  country  : 
but  the  most  excellent  and  famous  of  all  is  the  thorough-bred,  or  race- 
horse, descended  chiefly  from  imported  Arabians,  Barbs,  and  Turks. 
The  animal  known  to-day  as  the  real  English  thorough-bred  is  perhaps  of 
almost  purely  eastern  origin.  His  excellences  are  derived,  it  is  thought, 
from  an  admixture  of  various  pure  breeds,  native  to  those  regions  to 
which  the  noblest  of  the  race  are  indigenous,  so  far  as  either  history  or 
tradition  determines.  Ai-abia,  Sjni-ia,  Persia,  Turkestan,  Nubia,  Abys- 
sinia, and  the  Barbary  States,  all  have  breeds  closely  connected  with  each 
other,  and  yet  possessing  different  characteristics  ;  but  the  English  race- 
horse is  a  superior  animal  to  any  of  them  ;  and  his  blood  cannot  now  be 
improved  by  crossing  with  any  known  stock. 

There  seems  to  be  in  him  a  larger  mixture  of  the  Barb  than  of  any 
other  breed  ;  but  the  earliest  and  most  celebrated  importations  into  Eng- 
land were  Arabians.  Much  attention  has  long  been  paid  there  to  the 
improvement  of  racing  stock.  The  minds  of  Englishmen  were  most 
probably  turned  to  this  by  the  accession  of  the  Norman  Conquerors  ;  at 
any  rate,  soon  after  the  Normans  were  established  in  the  island,  the  firs 
Arabian  of  which  any  record  has  been  preserved  was  imported.  Thr 
was  in  1121,  during  the  reign  of  Henry  I.  Then,  an  authenticated  case 
of  importation  from  Arabia  took  place  in  the  reign  of  James  I.  This 
horse  was  condemned,  not  having  met  the  popular  expectation ;  but  the 
true  value  of  eastern  blood  began  now  to  be  appreciated,  and  the  White 
Turk  was  soon  brought  over  ;  then  a  horse  known  as  the  Helmesley  Turk  ; 
Boon  afterward,  Fairfax's  Morocco  Barb.  The  interest  in  the  improve- 
ment of  racing  stock  then  so  actively  manifested  has  never  suffered  more 
than  a  temporary  abatement,  and  in  no  other  country  than  in  England 
has  such  success  been  attained.  During  the  troublous  times  consequent 
upon  the  overthrow  of  Charles  I.  and  the  accession  of  the  Puritans  to 


THE    HORSE,  DIFFERENT    BREEDS,     ETC. 


69 


Dover,  there  seems  to  have  been  a  declme  ;  but  a  love  of  racing,  and  a 
wjrresponding  desire  to  produce  tlie  best  horses  for  this  purpose,  wat 


reyived  upon  the  restoration  of  Charles  II.  to  the  throne.     This  pn»(» 
himself  sent  to  the  east  to  purchase  brood  mares  and  stallions,  but  hf 


7C  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 

affected  chiefly  Barbs  and  Turks.     !Maiiy  of  his  wealthier  subjects  engaged 
in  like  enterprise  on  their  own  private  account. 

But  the  most  marked  improvement  of  English  stock  followed  the 
introduction  into  that  country  of  the  Darley  Arabian,  a  fine  and  vigorous 
rtall'iou  imported  during  the  latter  jiart  of  Queen  Anne's  reign  by  one 
Mr.  Darley.  Several  horses  of  great  repute  descended  from  him,  of 
ivhich  the  most  noted  were  Almanzer,  Fljdng  Childers,  and  Bartlett's 
Childers  ;  and  from  the  Childers,  besides  numerous  others,  of  more  or* 
less  celebrity,  Childers,  Blaze,  Samson,  Snap,  and  Eclipse  deserve  special 
mention.  Of  the  last  named,  it  is  recorded  that  though  he  was  thick- 
winded  or  what  is  termed  a  "roarer,"  he  never  lost  a  race  and  never 
paid  a  forfeit ;  and  that  three  hundred  and  thirty-four  of  his  descendants 
proved  to  be  winning  horses. 

During  the  reign  of  Louis  XIV.,  of  France,  and  when  the  Ai-abian 
stock,  the  descendants  of  the  Darley,  were  already  in  high  repute,  a  horse 
called  the  Godolphin  Arabian,  but  which  was  really  a  beautiful  Barb,  of 
excellent  spirit  and  action,  was  rescued  by  one  Mr.  Coke  from  the  igno' 
ble  employment  of  drawing  a  cart  in  the  streets  of  Paris,  (where  his 
striking  characteristics  seem  to  have  been  wholly  overlooked),  and  carried 
to  England.  He  is  said  to  have  been  about  fifteen  hands  high,  of  abro^vn 
color,  and  to  have  been  distinguished  by  the  height  of  his  crest  and  for 
round  and  drooping  quarters.  From  him  is  descended  much  of  the  finest 
racing  blood  in  England. 

We  have  spoken  of  the  thorough-bred  as  a  pure-blooded  horse ; 
and  though  this  ought  doubtless  to  be  understood  with  some  limitations, 
as  even  in  the  best  of  the  stock  there  is  probably  some  tinge  of  old  Eng- 
lish and  Spanish  blood ;  yet,  such  has  been  the  great  care  bestowed  upou 
him  that  he  is  regarded  as  ' '  the  eastern  horse  brought  to  the  very  highest 
state  of  perfection."  It  is  certain  that,  as  previously  remarked,  he  is  in 
some  respects  superior  to  the  best  of  the  original  breeds.  This  has  been 
brought  about  by  long  continued  careful  attention  to  breeding,  to  feed- 
ing, to  all  those  points,  in  fact,  necessary  to  the  elimination  of  vicious 
strains  and  the  preservation  and  improvement  of  those  qualities  that  tend 
to  the  one  great  end  in  view — fleetness,  with  a  corresponding  power  of 
endurance.  The  climate  of  England  is  said  to  be  peculiarly  favorable  to 
the  horse ;  and  this  influence  has  perhaps  contributed  something  to  the 
making  of  the  English  racer  a  pre-eminently  fine  and  much  admired 
animal.     The  following  may  be  regarded  as  his  distinguishing  points  : 

His  chest  is  his  one  and  only  mark  of  superior  strength ;  this  is  wide 
and  deep.  His  body  is  round,  his  flanks  and  belly  light.  His  ears  ar« 
fine ;  his  eyes  prominent ;  his  nostrils  are  wide  ;  his  lips  are  small  and 
thic,  while  he  is  remarkably  wide  between  the  jaws.     He  has  a  long  and 


THE    HORSE,    DIFFERENT    BREEDS,    ETC.  7 1 

fine  neck,  to  which  a  thm  mane  lies  close.  His  withers  are  uncommonly 
thin  and  high  ;  his  back  is  low  at  the  withers,  then  straight  to  the  haunches. 
Measured  from  the  haunches  to  the  turn  of  the  rump,  he  is  long ;  from 
the  turn  of  the  rump  to  the  tip  of  the  hock  he  is  long  and  thin.  He  has 
great  power  of  springing,  to  force  himself  forward,  by  reason  of  his  leg* 
standing  rather  under  the  body  than  erect.  His  buttocks  rarely  touch 
each  other ;  his  legs  below  the  knee  and  hock  are  small,  and  the  cords 
stand  out  conspicuously.  His  tail  is  slight  and  thin-haired,  sometime* 
Blightly  waved ;  the  hair  of  his  legs  is  very  fine  ;  he  has  no  fetlock  tufts, 
and  his  hoof  is  small  and  cupped.  His  color  is  generally  bay,  brown,  or 
chestnut ;  his  height  varies  from  fifteen  to  seventeen  hands.  His  coat  is 
tliinner  and  the  hair  more  silky  than  in  common  breeds. 

The  soundness  of  feet  and  legs,  and  the  poAvers  of  endurance,  which 
characterize  the  Arab,  have  been  transmitted  to  the  thorough-bred  ;  and 
while  the  latter  is  not  himself  well  suited  to  heavy  harness  work,  or  indeed 
to  any  of  vbe  general  purposes  of  the  farmer,  animals  are  often  obtained 
by  judicious  crosses  with  him  which  are  admirably  adapted  to  various 
uses.  He  is  valued  solely  for  the  turf,  and  for  light  single  draft, 
except,  as  we  have  before  remarked,  for  the  improvement  of  the  general 
stock  of  horses  by  admixture  ;  and  for  this  latter  purpose  we  are  largely 
dependent  upon  him  in  America  as  well  as  in  Great  Britain. 

V.    The  Barb. 

The  horse  of  the  Barbary  States  has  long  been  known  for  his  excellent 
qualities  ;  and  he  is  especially  remarkable  for  fine  and  graceful  action. 
His  powers  of  transmission  are  great,  so  that  his  marked  traits  are  found 
in  his  descendants  at  remote  periods  and  after  commixture  of  various  and 
inferior  breeds. 

He  has  impressed  himself  particularly  upon  the  Spanish  horse  and  the 
English  racing  stock.  It  is  thought  that  the  horses  of  Spain  owe  all 
their  excellences  to  Barb  blood,  which  was  brought  into  that  country  by 
the  Moors,  at  the  time  of  the  conquest. 

The  Barb  is  found  chiefly  in  Morocco,  Fez,  and  Tripoli,  and  with  the 
exception  of  an  excellent  species  found  in  the  kingdom  of  BournoU;  he 
U  the  only  African  horse  deserving  of  special  mention.  The  horse  of 
Boumon  is  represented  by  some  as  being  superior  to  both  the  Arabian 
and  the  Barb. 

In  addition  to  what  has  been  said  in  those  sections  in  which  we  have 
treated  of  the  Arabian  and  the  thorough-bred,  the  following  description, 
of  the  Barb  will  be  sufficient  to  convey  to  the  mind  of  the  reader  wh.i. 
a  true  horse  of  this  breed  really  is  : 


72  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

In  height,  he  is  from  fourteen  to  fifteen  hands  ;  his  chest  is  round ;  hU 
•houlders  arc  broad,  but  light,  and  somewhat  obliquely  sloping ;  Yna 
>vnthers  are  thin  and  rather  higli ;  his  loins  are  straight  and  short ;  lun 
flanks  and  ribs  are  round  and  well  developed ;  his  haunehes  are  strong ; 
his  croup  is  somewhat  too  long  for  nice  corresiDondence  with  the  rest  of 
the  body ;  his  quarters  are  muscular  and  full ;  his  legs  are  clean,  and 
the  tendons  are  clearly  marked ;  his  pasterns,  like  his  croup,  are  some- 
what too  long  and  slanting,  but  not  so  much  so  as  to  amount  to  real 
defect ;  and  his  feet  are  sound  and  of  good  shape.  But  his  head  is 
especially  beautiful.  It  is  small  and  lean,  while  the  ears  are  of  medium 
size  and  admirably  placed.  The  mane  is  rather  meager ;  but  the  neck 
rises  boldly  from  the  mthers,  and  gives  an  impression  of  ease  and  grace 
in  carriage. 

In  spirit  and  fleetness  he  is  not  regarded  as  the  equal  of   the  Arab 
much  less  of  the  real  thorough-bred;  but  in  a  certain  native  vigor  and  in 
form  he  is  superior. 

VI.    The  Persian. 

No  traveler  to  whose  writings  we  have  access  in  this  country  has 
sufficiently  described  the  horses  of  Persia  to  enable  us  to  point  out  with 
exactness  the  diiference  between  the  inferior  and  the  better  breeds  tha"" 
are  known  to  exist  in  that  country.  The  term  the  Persian  horse  i. 
ordinarily  applied  to  the  most  excellent  of  all,  which  has  been  celebrated 
for  hundreds  of  years  longer  than  the  Arabian.  At  the  present  day,  he 
ha3  a  large  proportion  of  Arab  blood  in  his  veins.  As  a  general  thing, 
he  is  somewhat  taller  than  the  Arabians  ;  and  in  beauty  and  speed  he  is 
their  equal ;  but  his  powers  of  endurance  are  not  so  great. 

VII.    The  Turkish. 

This  horse  is  believed  to  be  descended  from  the  best  stock  of  Arabs,—. 
crossed,  however,  with  some  breed  that  has  given  him  greater  proportions 
than  his  ancestors  ;  at  any  rate,  the  Turldsh  horse  of  to-day  is  full 
uixteen  hands  high,  often  more  ;  and  he  is  more  muscular  than  the  Ai-al), 
though  still  of  elegant  appearance,  cleanlimbed  and  active.  It  is  asserted 
by  some  that  he  is  descended  from  Arabs  and  Persians  ;  and  it  is  known 
that  he  possesses  many  of  the  best  qualities  of  these  stocks.  Though 
strong  and  of  sufficient  spirit,  he  is  docile,  and  well  adapted  to  domestic 
uses. 

An  arched  neck,  with  a  high  crest,  is  a  striking  characteristic  of   the 

'»reed. 

VIII.    The  Tiirkoman. 

k&  we  have  said  elsewhere,  none  of  the  Tartar  breeds  except  the  Turko* 


THE  HORSE,  DIFFERENT  BREEDS,  ETC.  73 

(nan  or  South  Tartary  horse  are  worthy  to  be  rated  among  the  better  class 
of  animals.  He  is  famous  for  purity  of  blood,  for  good  speed,  and  for 
wonderful  powers  of  endurance.  It  is  related  that  one  of  them  has  been 
known  to  travel  nine  hundred  miles,  bearing  a  rider,  in  eleven  successive 
days.  He  is  not  really  a  graceful  animal,  however,  as  his  head  is  rather 
large,  and  his  legs  are  long  in  proportion  to  liis  height,  which  is  from 
fifteen  to  sixteen  hands. 

Other  domesticated  horses  among  Tlic  T  rtai-s  are  evidently  of  the 
same  breed  as  the  wild  horses  which  are  found  in  various  parts  of  the 
coulitry  and  in  immense  numbers,  as  the  characteristics  of  the  wild  are 
exhibited  in  a  marked  manner  in  the  domesticated.  Indeed,  it  is  known 
that  these  wild  herds  are  often  drawn  upon  for  recruits  when  necessity 
drives  the  inhabitants  to  add  to  their  stock  of  serviceable  animals. 

All  these  inferior  creatures  are  small  and  narrow ;  they  have  long  necks, 
apparently  weak  legs,  large  heads,  and  light  barrels.  The  prevailing 
color  is  a  reddish  sorrel,  with  a  black  stripe  along  the  back.  Their 
manes  and  tails  are  black,  except  at  the  roots,  where  th,e  hairs  preserve 
this  reddish  cast.  Their  general  appearance  is  rough  and  inelegant :  but 
they  are  of  the  most  hardy  nature  ;  and,  contrary  to  appearance,  they 
are  rapid  travelers.  They  live  and  even  perform  long  and  arduous 
journeys  upon  the  sparsest  and  poorest  food. 

IX.    The  Egyptian. 

It  is  represented  by  some  who  have  devoted  more  than  ordinary  cai'e 
to  the  study  of  the  origin  of  breeds,  and  to  the  horse  in  his  relations  to 
various  peoples  and  countries,  that  the  horse  of  the  ancient  Egyptians 
was  identical  with  an  inferior  race  that  afterward  existed  among  the 
Assyrians.  Some  sculptures,  found  among  the  ruins  of  Nineveh,  care- 
fvilly  executed  and  well  preserved,  portray  a  horse  wholly  different  from 
that  nobler  animal  carved  in  other  bas-reliefs  found  in  the  same  ruins. 
He  is  said  to  have  been  the  Egyptian  horse  ;  and  as  thus  conveyed  to  us, 
he  was  a  large  and  heavy  animal,  having  a  coarse  and  ill-proportioned 
head,  but  a  high  crest. 

The  modern  Egyptian  is  also  of  unpleasing  aspect.  From  wheresoever 
derived,  he  is  rough  and  ugly.  Frequently  his  legs,  knees  and  neck 
become  positive  defects  ;  but  a  good  head  is  occasionally  found.  Hd 
would  scarcely  be  deserving  of  mention  were  it  not  that  he  is  spirited 
and  impetuous  ;  and  this,  together  with  his  weight,  renders  him  valuable 
for  heavy  cavalry,  in  which  capacity  he  has  won  some  celebrity.  His 
powers  of  endurance  are  not  gi-eat. 

X.    The  Dongola. 

This  horse  is  also  entitled  to  consideration  chiefly  upon  the  ground  of 


74  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 

his  being  greatly  prized  ajs  a  war  horse.  Unlike  the  Egjqitian,  howevei, 
he  has  not  only  speed  but  powers  of  endurance  ;  and  some  have  described 
him  as  both  beautiful  and  tractal)lc.  Yet,  even  those  who  have  had 
opportunities  for  personal  observation  do  not  agree  in  their  descriptions 
and  their  estimates.  One  speaks  of  him  as  being  deficient  in  substance 
and  wanting  in  stout nesss ;  while  another  thinks  him  to  possess  the 
highest  type  of  symmetry,  size,  and  strength.  From  another  we  get 
this  more  particular  description  :  In  height,  he  is  full  sixteen  hands  5 
his  body  is  short ;  his  neck  is  long  and  slim  ;  he  has  a  fine  crest ;  and  his 
withers  are  high  and  sharp  ;  but  his  breast  is  narrow,  his  qiiaiters  and 
flanks  are  flat,  and  he  has  a  rather  ugly  back. 

He  is  found  in  the  kingdom  of  Dongola  and  in  adjacent  regions. 

XI.  Wild  Horse  of  America. 

That  the  horse  existed  in  America  at  some  far  distant  epoch  is  undeni- 
able since  the  fossil  remains  found  prove  this  conclusively,  and  progress- 
ing naturally  from  age  to  age  into  more  and  more  perfectly  developed 
types.  Yet  at  the  discovery  of  America  at  the  several  points  by  the 
early  navigators,  no  mention  is  made  of  native  horses,  as  would  surely 
have  been  done  if  such  had  been  known  to  the  Indians. 

America  is  undoubtedly  indebted  for  her  wild  or  feral  horses  which 
have  roamed  the  great  valleys  of  the  Pacific  slope,  the  immense  plains  of 
the  West  and  South-west,  and  the  grassy  portions  of  Mexico,  to  the  early 
Spanish  adventurers  on  the  Pacific  slope,  as  were  the  wild  horses  of  the 
great  plains  and  of  Texas  to  the  horses  abandoned  by  De  Soto  when  he 
turned  his  face  eastward  towards  the  Mississippi,  after  having  abandoned 
his  search  for  the  fountain  of  youth  and  the  new  Eldorado.  So  Mexico 
and  the  Isthmus  were  stocked  with  horses  in  like  manner,  for  it  is  futile 
to  suppose  that  the  increase  of  horses  escaping  from  the  Spanish  conquer- 
ors ef  South  America  would  have  made  their  way  northward  through 
interminable  and  tangled  forests,  and  mountain  fastnesses,  but  that  rather 
they  would  have  betaken  them  to  the  pampas,  which  in  reality  they  did. 
Thus  in  a  comparatively  short  time  they  covered  most  areas  of  country 
w^ith  immense  droves,  in  reality  as  wild  and  as  free  as  though  they  had 
always  existed  there. 

That  the  facts  arc  as  we  have  stated,  is  patent  from  the  fact  that  the 
produce  resembles  in  many  close  characteristics  the  Spanish  and  Andalu- 
sian  horses  of  the  early  Spanish  adventurers,  as  did  those  found  wild  in 
I\GW  Foundland  resemble  the  French  horse  of  that  period ;  as  does  the 
Canadian  pony  of  the  present  day,  although  diminished  in  size  from  insuf- 
ficient food  and  the  inclemencies  of  the  climate  through  the  long 
generations  which  have  passed  since  their  introduction  into  Acadia  in 
X604,  and  into  Canada  four  years  later. 


THE  HOESE,  I^IEEEEEIST  BREEDS,  ETC 

XII.  The  Norman  Percheron. 


v;> 


Among  the  striking  and  useful  breeds,  no  horse  has  attracted  more 
attention  during  the  hist  half -century  than  the  Norman  Percheron,  other- 


wise known  simply  as  the  Percheron, — a  stock  peculiar  to  La  Perche,  » 


76  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

district  in  France.  Volumes  have  been  written  respecting  this  horse,  anti 
Various  theories  as  to  his  origin  and  development  have  been  advanced,  by  inter- 
ested partizans  at  times,  and  again  by  pure  lovers  of  horses  who  pursued  truth 
for  truth's  sake  alone. 

One  ^vritor  insists  that  he  is  descended  from  what  eomc  call  the  i^rimi- 
tive  or  natural  horse,  the  pure  blood  Arabian,  crossed  with  a  stock  of 
heavy  draft  horses  existing  in  that  section,  but  w'ithout  historic  mention, 
prior  to  the  Crusades.  He  thinks  that  aftc^r  the  defeat  of  the  Saracen 
^hief,  Abderame,  by  Charles  Martel,  in  Vouille,  in  which  battle  a  host  of 
3araceiis  peiished,  the  cavalry  of  the  enemy,  Oriental  horses  of  marked 
haracter,  true  Arabs,  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  French, — thence  many  of 
•hese  horses  were  brought  by  their  victorious  masters  to  the  districts  of 
Normandy  and  La  Perche.  Here  commixture  of  blood  wdth  a  heavier 
horse  of  excellent  quality  followed,  and  the  cross  resulted  in  producing 
the  now  celebrated  Percheron. 

The  native  race  referred  to  is  thought  by  some  to  have  been  the  old 
war  horse  of  the  Normans — heavy,  bony  and  slow — good  for  cavalry  use 
during  the  days  of  chivalry,  when  the  carrying  of  a  knight  and  his  armor 
required  an  animal  of  great  strength  and  powers  of  endurance. 

Others  think  that  it  was  a  stock  of  horses  then  peculiar  to  Brittany  and 
used  for  draft  rather  than  for  war. 

One  author  asserts  that  the  Percheron  is  descended  from  a  remote  cross 
between  the  Andalusians  (after  their  commixture  with  the  Morocco  Barbs) 
and  the  Normans  ;  and  this  somewhat  fanciful  reason  is  given  for  the 
active  agency  of  man  in  l)ringing  it  about :  that  the  Norman,  though  pow- 
erful, was  too  slow  for  a  fully  caparisoned  knight — ^the  Andaljsian  or 
Spanish  Barb  Avas  too  light — and  a  cross  wuis  effected  for  the  purpose 
of  securing  a  horse  that  combined  speed  with  pow'er. 

But  it  is  not  within  the  scope  of  the  present  work  to  enter  into  minute 
pai-ticulars  of  this  kind,  nor  to  indulge  in  the  discussion  of  mooted  points 
that  have  a  merely  curious  interest. 

Whatever  may  have  been  the  origin  of  the  Percheron,  it  is  evidentl}'^  a 
pure  race,  one  capable  of  producing  and  reproducing  itself  unchanged 
thi'ough  a  long  succession  of  3'ears,  and  without  deterioration  of  qualities 
when  like  sires  are  bred  to  like  dams.  Even  wiien  the  Percheron  stallion 
is  put  to  the  ser\nce  of  inferior  mares,  he  impresses  himself  in  a  remark- 
able manner  upon  his  offspring,  transmitting  to  them  his  own  striking 
characteristics.  Percheron  mares  bred  to  inferior  stallions  affect  in  like 
manner,  and  in  almost  equal  intensity,  their  progeny — though  the  rule  is 
that  the  stallion  exerts  the  greater  influence  in  determining  the  character 
3f  the  foal. 


THE    HORSE,  P.VFFPENT  BREEDS,     ETC. 


7. 


The  old  Norman  stock  is  said  to  have  transmitted  to  this  race  their  ex- 
traordinary bone  and  muscle,  while  the  Arab  or  Andalusian  or  whatevet 
may  have  been  the  cross,  give  the  spirit  and  action.     The  Norman  hai 


78  ILLUSTRATED   STOCK   DOCTOK. 

been  described  as  being  capable  of  carrying  great  burdens  at  a  reasonabI« 
rate  of  spe^d  ;  to  have  been  large,  compact,  muscular,  and  possessing  the 
greatest  endurance. 

The  points  of  the  Percheron  may  be  stated  as  follows  : 

The  head  is  short ;  the  brow  is  broad,  and  has  that  hollow  of  profile 
between  the  eyes  and  nostrils  sometimes  known  as  the  dish-face — (in 
this  greatly  resembling  the  Arab)  ;  but  the  head  in  general  is  not  heavier 
than  seems  in  keeping  with  the  general  massiveness  of  the  frame ;  the 
neck  is  long,  well-arched  and  heavy,  but,  like  the  head,  not  dispropor- 
tioned  to  the  general  bulk.  The  back  is  short ;  they  are  well  ribbed  up 
and  round  barrelled  ;  their  legs  are  particularly  short  from  the  knees  and 
hocks  downward ;  they  are  heavily  haired,  but  have  not  such  shaggy 
fetlocks  and  feet  as  this  would  seem  to  indicate  ;  their  sinews  are  iron~ 
like  ;  and  their  feet  are  hard,  sound,  apparently  insensible  to  disease.  In 
height,  they  are  from  fourteen  and  a  half  to  fifteen  and  a  half  hands,  the 
latter  being  rather  more  than  the  average.  Gray  is  the  characteristic, 
almost  the  only,  color. 

For  hard  work  on  ordinary  fare  the  Percheron  is  unequalled  ;  and  his 
energy  and  endurance  are  wonderful.  He  will  keep  his  condition  where 
another  horse  would  die  of  hard  labor  and  neglect.  Though  full  of 
spirit,  unflinching  under  even  painful  effort,  he  is  yet  docile. 

In  mere  speed  he  is  by  no  means  the  equal  of  the  thorough-bred ;  but 
for  quickness  of  movement  at  heavj^  draft  he  has  no  rival.  Hitched  to  a 
light  carriage  or  wagon  he  is  capable  of  maintaining  a  good  rate  of  speed 
for  a  long  time  together,  or  of  making  comparatively  short  journeys  with 
a  rapidity  that  is  astonishing.  One,  carrying  a  light  vehicle  and  the 
driver,  is  known  to  have  made  55  3-5  miles  over  a  hilly  and  difficult  road, 
in  four  hours  and  twenty-four  minutes  ;  and  another,  harnessed  in  like 
manner,  is  said  to  have  traveled  58  miles  and  back  in  two  consecutive 
days,  without  being  touched  with  the  whip,  occupying  four  hours  and  less 
than  two  minutes  going,  and  four  hours,  one  and  a  half  minutes  returning. 

The  Percheron  of  to-day  makes  an  excellent  cross  with  either  the  Arab 
or  the  English  thorough-bred.  For  the  improvement  of  our  draft  stock 
in  the  United  States,  no  other  horse  is  to  be  compared  to  him.  Bred  to 
good  mares,  this  half-breed  would  partake  more  of  the  qualities  of  the 
sire  than  of  the  dam,  and  the  progeny  would  be  almost  the  equals  of  th* 
pure  French  horses.  Another  step,  bringing  a  pure  imported  stallion  to 
the  service  of  these  half-breeds,  would  give  us  a  race  of  horses  for  all 
Work  that  would  so  far  excel  the  ordinary  race  of  scrubs  as  to  seem 
almost  like  a  different  species  of  animal. 

At  Oaklawn,  Du  Page  Co.,  111.,  is  one  of  the  largest  stud  farms  of  the  world, 
and  it  is  devoted  exclusively  to  the  Percheron  stock. 


THE    HORSE,    DIFFERENT    BREEDS,    ETC,  7^ 

XIII.  The  Clydesdale  Horse. 

The  west  of  Scotland  has  been  long  famous  for  its  draught  horses.  Away 
in  the  upper  ward  of  Lanarkshire,  the  progenitors  of  that  noble  race  of  horsea 
60  called  Clydesdale,  from  the  Vale  in  which  they  were  originally  reared,  were 
first  brought  to  the  front  and  made  famous  throughout  the  whole  of  Scotland ; 
so  much  so  that  the  common  work  horse  of  that  country  is  now,  to  all  intents 
and  purposes,  a  Clyde ;  and  many  of  the  Shire  Horses  of  England  are  deep  in 
their  blood  also. 

Where  the  originals  came  from,  and  how  they  were  bred,  are  questions  that 
have  often  been  discussed  in  the  public  press.  Tradition,  without  any  founda* 
tion  in  facts,  points  to  the  importation  of  Flemish  Stallions  into  the  above 
ward  nearly  two  centuries  ago,  by  one  of  the  Dukes  of  Hamilton,  who  sought 
improvement  in  his  stock. 

Whether  such  is  the  case  or  not,  certain  it  is  that  by  some  means  or  other, 
the  farmers  in  that  country  possessed  a  grand  lot  of  brood  mares,  from  which 
the  Clydesdales  of  the  present  day  owe  their  activity  and  hardiness.  Our  own 
opinion  is,  that  they  grew  up  into  the  state  of  perfection  in  which  they  were 
found  about  the  beginning  of  the  last  century,  through  the  judicious  mating 
of  the  home  stock,  and  that  up  to  that  time,  little  or  no  fresh  blood  was  intro- 
duced. 

The  upper  ward  of  Lanarkshire  is  a  wild  and  somewhat  bare  country,  with 
a  thin  soil,  which,  however,  is  admirably  adapted  for  grazing  purposes ;  the 
farms  are  small,  and  the  husbandmen  who  made  their  livelihood  from  the 
profits  of  the  soil,  were  a  shrewd  and  saving  race,  with  a  love  for  their  stock 
born  in  them.  Proud  of  their  cattle  and  horses,  and  considerably  skilled  in  their 
care,  they  developed  for  the  district  in  which  they  lived,  a  class  specially  suited 
to  their  wants. 

In  kine  they  modelled,  as  it  were,  the  Ayrshire  Cow,  and  in  horses,  more 
esjjecially  in  this  particular  district,  they  produced  and  kept  continually  im- 
proving the  Clyde.  Just  as  on  the  banks  of  the  Tees,  long  years  ago,  there 
existed  a  grand  race  of  cattle,  so  on  the  hills  that  rise  gently  away  from  the 
waters  of  the  Clyde,  a  class  of  horses  belonged  to  it,  which  were  associated 
with  no  other  shire  or  county  in  Great  Britain,  till  a  more  enlightened  day 
with  the  aid  of  the  printing  press  spread  their  fame  abroad,  and  created  for 
them  an  immense  demand. 

Thus  we  find  the  horses  about  the  year  1720,  when  Mr.  John  Paterson,  of 
Lochlyoch,  introduced  a  Flemish  Stallion. 

Whether  through  the  introduction  of  this  horse  or  otherwise,  the  Lochlyoch 
mares  became  very  famous,  and  from  them,  directly  or  indirectly,  most  of  the 
noted  stock  of  the  present  day  trace  their  origin. 

From  the  Lampits  mare,  a  descendant  of  the  above  stock,  came  Glancer 
(335),  the  horse  that  may  be  called  the  father  of  the  present  race  of  Clydes* 
dales. 


80  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

In  a  table  compiled  for  the  "  Clydesdale  Horse  Society  "  it  is  astonishing  »m 
fee  the  influence  that  this  horse  has  wielded.  Without  any  system,  most  of 
the  breeders  were  ignorant  that  such  a  horse  ever  existed,  till  the  herculeaa 
labors  of  Mr.  Dykes,  secretary  to  the  above  society,  ferreted  out  all  these  facts. 

It  is  most  interesting  to  study  the  relationships  of  the  various  crack  horses 
of  the  present  day. 

Wherever  you  begin,  the  pedigree  by  some  means  runs  into  Glancer  (335). 

Gradually,  but  surely,  from  those  wild  uplands,  Clydesdales  have  spread,  as 
it  were,  over  the  whole  world. 

They  found,  early  in  this  century,  a  congenial  home  amid  the  richer  soils  of 
Galloway,  and  while  thriving  there,  they  obtained  even  a  greater  notoriety  on 
the  bare  hillsides  of  Kintyre. 

Branching  out  thus,  they  spread  over  all  Scotland,  reaching  some  favored 
Bpots  in  England,  and  within  later  years  they  have  found  their  way  to  America 
and  Australia,  where  they  are  as  much  prized  as  upon  their  native  heath. 

In  the  Antipodes,  they  have  no  rival,  but  in  the  United  States  they  come 
into  competition  with  the  "  Pereherons." 

The  inherent  value  of  the  Clydesdale  lies  in  his  reproducing  powers.  Bred 
for  generations  among  themselves,  ofttimes  bred  in  and  in,  they  are  most  im- 
pressive, and  put  upon  the  common  mares  of  this  continent,  the  produce  is  a 
splendid  farmer's  horse,  while  those  animals  which  have  two  or  three  crosse* 
of  this  blood,  are  becoming  exceedingly  valuable  for  draying  in  towns,  and, 
owing  to  their  special  fitness  for  heavy  work,  at  the  present  moment  the  demand 
far  exceeds  the  supply. 

The  indications  are,  that  the  Clydesdales  and  Pereherons  will  gradually 
become  the  work  horses  of  America. 

Farmers  who  in  olden  times  (and,  we  are  sorry  to  say,  even  in  these  days), 
mijrely  scratch  their  land,  have  no  use  for  either  of  those  breeds,  but  as 
agriculture  advances,  as  science  surely  overcomes  brute  force,  when  the  days 
of  deep  ploughing  and  thorough  cultivation  become  a  necessity,  then  will  the- 
husbandman  know  the  value  of  heavy,  well-built  horses. 

To  attain  this  end,  horses  of  the  above  breeds  must  be  used.  Each  will 
serve  their  end,  but  for  wear  and  tear  it  is  likely  the  Clydes  will  eventually 
take  the  lead. 

It  is  true,  the  Clydesdales  of  the  present  day  are  not  so  hardy  as  they  w^ere. 
The  system  of  feeding  for  show,  carried  to  great  excess  by  the  Scotch  breeders, 
has  given  rise  to  diseases  among  pure-bred  animals,  which  they  do  not  happily 
reproduce,  and  which  has  tended  to  make  some  of  the  best  horses  that  ever 
were  bred,  but  indiifercnt  stock -getters. 

Then  little  attention  was  paid  to  systematic  breeding.  The  old  way  and 
style  which,  no  doubt,  was  conducted  with  great  success  as  far  as  it  went,  did 
not  tend  to  produce  so  many  good  horses  as  we  may  expect  under  the  skilful 
mating  of  both  well-bred  and  good-looking  animals. 


91 


g2  ILLUSTRATED  tSTOCK    rxXJTOR. 

Just  as  we  have  seen  grade  bulls  vie  in  excellency  with  the  thoroughbred,  sa 
it  was  with  the  Clydesdale  horse.  Five  years  ago,  through  the  efforts  of 
various  parties,  all  lovers  of  the  Clyde,  a  society  was  established  for  registering 
pedigrees,  and  their  operations  have  met  with  signal  success. 

They  have  laid  the  foundation  of  a  system  by  which  breeders  can  attain  grand 
results  from  a  careful  and  judicious  selection  of  good  blood.  And  so  in  America 
they  have  a  Stud  Book,  drawn  up  on  the  same  basis  as  the  Scotch  publication, 
and  here  breeding  is  being  carried  on,  more  especially  by  Western  breeders, 
with  a  zest  second  only  to  that  of  the  farmers  in  Scotland. 

This  American  and  Colonial  demand  for  good  horses  with  pedigrees,  has 
given  a  great  impetus  to  breeding  at  home,  and  it  is  likely  we  shall  see  some 
grand  results  from  the  efforts  that  are  being  made.  Blessed  with  perseverance, 
and  holding  their  own  judgment  at  a  premium,  no  men  are  better  suited  for  this 
work  than  the  small  dairy  farmers  from  the  regions  of  Ayrshire,  Galloway  and 
Lanarkshire. 

It  is  to  them  and  some  larger  farmers  and  proprietors  we  need  to  look  for  the 
grand  colossal  horses  which  have  made,  and  are  destined  to  make,  the  name  of 
the  Clydesdale  more  famous  than  ever. 

The  main  feature  of  the  Clydesdale  is  its  size,  combined  with  activity  and 
hardiness.  Bred  upon  a  bare,  and  not  very  prolific  soil,  they  thrive  well  upon 
being  transplanted  to  a  more  generous  and  richer  location.  It  is  the  universal 
practice  among  the  west  of  Scotland  breeders  to  keep  their  young  stock  in  a  semi- 
wild  state,  giving  them  only  as  much  food  as  is  necessary  for  health  and  develop- 
ment until  they  are  between  two  and  three  years  old.  Great  capacity  for 
endurance  is  thus  secured. 

A  fat  colt  is  never  seen,  scarce  even  among  those  reserved  for  the  stud. 
Treated  thus  when  they  are  young,  they  grow  up  hardy,  with  clean  bones  and 
well-developed  muscles,  and  almost  entirely  free  from  hereditary  disease.  And^ 
perchance,  no  horse  of  the  present  day,  excepting  those  existing  on  the  Arabian 
deserts,  can  compare  for  genuine  and  valuable  intelligence  with  those  we  are 
now  writing  about. 

Treated  for  generations  by  their  masters  as  companions,  that  is,  after  they 
had  received  their  primary  education,  a  sense  almost  human  in  some  cases  is 
found  engraved  in  their  nature. 

Just  as  the  Scottish  Collie  and  the  noble  Newfoundland  have  developed  almost 
supernatural  instincts,  so  the  Clydesdale  horses,  being  the  companions  as  well 
as  slaves  of  a  class  of  men  who  took  pride  in  their  sagacity,  have  come  to  be 
looked  on  as  possessing  a  rarely  and  widely  defined  instinct.  Thus  they 
combine  strength,  soundness  and  sense,  the  three  attributes  necessary  to  make 
a  horse  successful  in  the  wagon  or  plough. 

THE    POINTS   OF   THE   CLYDESDALE. 

The  writer  had  much  to  do  with  the  formation  of  the  Clydesdale  Stud  Book, 


THE   HORSE.    DIFFERENT   BREEDS,   ETa  8S 

and  for  a  full  description  'and  history  of  the  breed  of  horses  we  refer  our 
readers  to  this  volume. 

In  the  meantime  we  cannot  do  better  than  abridge  as  shortly  as  possible  the 
beau  ideal  of  the  horse  as  given  there : 

The  kead,  a  broad  jaw,  ending,  as  a  rule,  in  a  not  very  fine  or  well-developed 
muzzle,  but  with  large,  open  nostrils. 

The  eye  full  and  vigorous,  yet  mild. 

The  forehead  broad  and  full,  especially  between  the  eyes. 

The  ears  long  and  active. 

The  neck  should  be  strong  and  massive,  supporting  the  head  gaily,  and 
•bowing  on  its  top  a  good  development  of  muscle. 

The  shoulder  should  be  oblique,  like  a  thoroughbred,  so  that  the  horse  can 
Btep  out  boldly. 

The  legs  should  be  short  from  the  fetlock  to  the  knee,  and  comparatively 
long  from  the  knee  upwards. 

The  forearm  should  be  well  developed,  showing  lots  of  muscle. 

The  bones  must  be  hard  and  flinty,  flat-shaped,  with  no  fleshiness;  both 
muscle  and  bone  seeming  entirely  separate.  Lots  of  hair  is  essential.  Of 
little  use  itself,  it  shows  forth  quality  and  strength  of  bone,  and  is  typical  of 
the  pure-bred  horse. 

The  knees  should  be  big  and  bony. 

The  feet  of  the  Clydesdale  are  nearly  invariably  good ;  great,  big,  widely 
developed  hoofs  of  the  best  quality,  and  connected  with  the  leg  with  sloping 
pasterns,  which  help  every  horse  to  go  up  and  down  hill.  Nothing,  in  our 
idea,  is  so  essential  to  a  draught  horse  as  good  pasterns. 

The  chest  should  be  broad  and  full. 

The  back  and  barrel  should  be  straight  and  round,  with  the  ribs  going  well 
back  towards  the  quarters.  In  this  particular  we  find  the  weak  part  of  the 
Clydesdale.  He  is  not  altogether  so  symmetrical  as  he  should  be,  as  a  rule,  in 
this  respect. 

Broad,  low-set  quarters,  with  muscular  thighs  descending  into  broad  and 
proportionately-developed  hocks,  sum  up  the  good  points  of  the  hind  end  of 
the  Clydesdale.  Avoid  fleshy  hocks ;  let  them  be  clean  cut  and  devoid  of  fat 
or  puffing. 

The  hind  leg  should  be  short,  broad,  flat,  clean  and  slightly  inclined  for- 
ward, while  the  pastern  should  also  incline  forwards  ere  it  joins  the  hoof. 

The  height  of  the  Clydesdale  averages  about  sixteen  hands  two  inches ;  over 
that  height  they  become  clumsy,  except  when  very  well  developed. 

The  best  color  undoubtedly  is  brown,  with  white  marks,  and,  so  far  as 
possible,  this  color  is  being  adopted  among  breeders. 

Good  action  is  sure  to  be  possessed  by  a  horse  modeled  on  the  above  type. 

Both  walking  and  trotting,  there  will  be  a  style  and  majesty  that  attracts 
the  eye  and  is  useful  when  at  work. 


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THE    HORSE,    DIFFERENT  BREEDS,    ETC.  85 

XIV.  The  Thorough-bred  in  America. 

The  Flemish  and  Danish  horses,  large,  strong,  hea\y  draft  breeds,  have 
had  more  or  less  influence  upon  the  horses  of  the  United  States,  particu- 
larly in  Pennsylvania,  Ohio,  and  the  northwestern  States  ;  but  no  other 
blood  is  so  widely  disseminated  among  our  various  stocks  as  that  of  the 
English  thorough-bred.  We  have  been  dependent  chiefly  upon  this 
animal  for  the  improvement  of  the  horses  among  us  ;  and  from  a  time 
long  prior  to  the  Revolution,  it  has  been  the  custom  of  our  most  ambitious 
Dreeders  to  import  from  England  both  stallions  and  mares,  but  more 
especially  the  former,  for  this  purpose. 

Leonard  Calvert,  Lord  Baltimore,  sometime  between  1740  and  1750, 
presented  to  a  Mr.  Ogle  an  English  thorough-bred  stallion,  by  which  the 
colonial  horse  of  that  portion  of  the  country  was  much  improved ;  and 
this  same  gentleman.  Ogle,  imported  Queen  Mab,  shortly  after  he  came 
in  possession  of  "Spark,"  the  Baltimore  horse.  Selima,  a  mare  sired  by 
the  Godolphin  Arabian,  w^as  brought  over  by  one  Col.  Trasker ;  Miss 
Cohalle,  or  Wilkes'  Old  Hautboy  Mare,  was  imported  by  Col.  Colville ; 
Jennie  Cameron,  Crab,  and  others,  by  different  persons,  at  various  times. 

It  was  not  until  within  about  fifty  years  ago  that  any  reliable  stud  book 
or  turf  register  began  to  be  kept  in  the  United  States  ;  so  that  it  is  often 
diflicult  to  establish  a  claim  to  good  pedigree  extending  beyond  that  time  ; 
but  many  valuable  importations  are  known  to  have  taken  place  previous 
to  1829  ;  and  the  register  since  kept  shows  that  there  is  a  very  large  ad- 
mixture of  English  blood  in  many  parts  of  the  country. 

The  work  stock  of  the  southern  States  before  the  war,  as  now,  was,  of 
course,  drawn  mostly  from  States  farther  north  and  east,  and  was  of  in- 
different character ;  but  much  attention  was  paid  in  that  part  of  the 
country  to  raising  stock ;  and  all  horses  raised  there  have  more  or  less  of 
the  thorough-bred  in  them.  Many  really  fine  animals  were  found  there, 
— the  race-horse  preserved  in  his  purity, — but  the  true  thorough-bred  has 
rarely  been  found  at  any  time  in  the  northern  States.  In  New  England, 
the  good  driving  horse,  the  horse  of  all  work,  medium  sized  and  stoutly- 
built,  is  mostly  found ;  in  New  York,  they  have  animals  representing 
almost  every  variety  of  breed  known  in  the  United  States,  and  among 
them  the  descendants  of  many  famous  racers. 

In  Pennsylvania,  Ohio,  and  the  Northwest  generally,  they  have  a  great 

Tariety  of  heavy  draft  horses — some  of  them  of  gi*eat  size — not.  much 

attention  having  been  paid,  as  yet,  to  saddle,  light  carriage,  and  race 

horseg      in  the  West  however,  consideraMe  improvement  has  been  madf 

by  the  introduction  of  fine  stallions  from  Kentucky  and  Tennessee,  r  1 

both  the  thorough-bred  and  the  Morgan  strain.     In  Kentucky  and  Teu- 

aessee,  the  breeds  are  various,  but  there  is  a  very  laro^e  admixture  of  th«i 
6 


J.^ 


86  «  ILLUSTKATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

thorough-bred.  Their  saddle,  light  carriage,  trotting  and  racing  stock 
are  justly  renowned.  Scarcely  any  country  in  the  world  is  better  adapted 
to  the  production  of  fine  horses  than  the  blue-grass  region  of  Kentucky  ; 
and  it  constitutes  a  sort  of  Arabia  of  the  West,  to  whose  breeders  and 
trainers  the  buyers  of  the  United  States,  sometimes  even  foreign  gentl©' 
men,  come  to  purchase  mares,  stallions,  and  trained  coursers. 

The  American  thorough-bred  retains  man}^  of  the  striking  character- 
istics of  the  Arabian  and  his  best  old  world  representatiA'^e,  the  Englisfi 
racer ;  and  in  speed  he  compares  Avell  with  the  best  horses  of  England. 
He  is  more  stoutly  built,  however,  and  capable  of  more  endurance  than 
the  English  horse. 

XV.  The  Morgan  Horse. 

A  story  is  current  to  the  effect  that  during  the  war  of  the  Revolution, 
one  of  the  British  officers.  Gen.  DeLancy,  rode  a  very  beautiful  stallion, 
of  great  value — said  to  have  been  a  true  thorough-bred.  This  horse  was 
stolen  by  one  Smith,  an  American,  and  retained  within  the  American 
lines.  He  was  the  sire  of  a  colt  from  a  Wild  Air  mare  ;  and  the  colt, 
being  foaled  or  having  become  by  purchase  the  property  of  one  Justin 
Morgan,  of  Randolph,  Vermont,  received  the  name  of  his  master,  and 
his  descendants  xiave  ever  since  been  known  as  the  Morgan  horse. 

The  stolen  stallion,  called  "The  True  Briton"  or  "Beautiful  Bay," 
has  been  described  as  not  only  beautiful,  but  as  having  possessed  great 
action,  and  being  capable  of  leaping  fences,  hedges,  and  ditches,  bearing 
a  rider,  from  which  it  has  been  argued  that  he  was  not  a  thorough-bred, 
since  that  stock  cannot  jump  ;  but  he  was  in  any  event  a  remarkable 
horse,  and  his  valuable  qualities  have  been  transmitted  to  his  descendants. 
Of  so  pure  blood  and  marked  character  was  he  that  his  powers  of  repro- 
ducing himself  equalled  those  of  the  most  unmistakable  Arabian ;  and 
the  Morgan  blood  is  perceptible  after  various  crosses,  and  that  too,  with 
many  inferior  breeds. 

So  rriarkcd  are  the  characteristics  of  these  horses,  and  so  different  are 
they,  in  some  particulars,  from  other  races,  that  they  seem  fully  entitled 
to  be  considered  a  distinct  breed.  They  are  in  great  repute,  also,  in 
many  portions  of  the  country ;  and  some  efforts  have  been  made  with 
much  success,  to  bring  the  stock  back  to  its  former  and  better  condition, 
by  breeding  from  the  best  and  most  strongly  marked  stallions  and  mares. 

They  are  stout  and  hardy,  while  at  the  same  time  of  good  form-^ 
capable  of  performing  tlie  greatest  amount  of  labor,  and  that,  too,  with 
quickness  of  movement.  They  are  always  in  demand,  and  command  the 
highest  market  prices. 

The  following  are  the  distinguishing  points  of  a  true  Morgan : 


THE  HORSE,  DIFFERENT  BREEDS,  ETC-  87 

in  height  he  is  from  fourteen  to  sixteen  hands  ;  in  weight  sufficiently 
hi-dvy  for  this  height,  with  no  appearance  whatever  of  coarse  bulkiness. 
Ij",  is  compactly  built,  and  of  great  strength ;  his  action  is  fine,  his 
endurance  unsurpassed,  and  in  spirit  he  is  indomitable — never  failing  at 
a  pull,  if  rightly  handled — yet  patient  and  trustworthy.  As  roadsters 
and  horses  of  all  work  they  are  excellent — having  no  equals,  perhaps,  in 
this  country.  He  walks  fast,  and  many  horses  of  this  breed  have  been 
extraordinary  trotters.  In  harness  he  is  quiet,  but  nimble,  and  of  eager 
movement.  Bay,  chestnut,  and  black  are  the  prevaihng  colors.  The 
mane  and  tail  are  rather  heavy  and  coarse,  and  in  general  wavy. 

The  head  is  not  extremely  small,  but  there  is  no  superfluous  muscle  or 
fatty  matter  about  it ;  the  face  is  straight,  the  forehead  broad,  the  ears 
are  small,  fine,  and  set  far  apart,  the  nostrils  are  wide,  the  lips  are  close 
and  firm,  the  muzzle  is  small,  the  eyes  are  not  large,  but  very  dark, 
prominent,  set  wide  apart,  and  full  of  animation.  The  back  is  short ;  tie 
shoulder-blades  and  hip-bones  are  large  and  oblique,  the  loins  broad  and 
muscular  ;  the  body  is  long,  round,  deep,  and  closely  ribbed  up  ;  the  chest- 
bone  is  prominent,  the  chest  mde  and  deep,  the  legs  seem  rather  short 
for  the  height,  but  they  are  close-jointed,  and  though  thin,  they  are  vciy 
wide,  hard,  clean,  and  yet  with  powerful  muscles  ;  the  feet  are  small  and 
round  ;  the  hair  is  short  and  flossy  at  almost  all  seasons  ;  the  fetlocks  are 
moderately  long,  and  there  is  some  long  hair  up  the  backs  of  the  legs. 

In  some  parts  of  the  country  the  Morgans  are  the  premium  horses,  and 
their  peculiar  adaptability  to  all  the  ordinary  purposes  of  the  farmer  is 
such  that  they  enjoy  a  high  degree  of  favor. 

As  a  breed,  they  are  unusually  long-lived,  and  this  constitutes  one  of 
their  great  points  of  excellence. 

XVI.  The  Narragansett  Pacer. 

This  breed,  now  almost  unknown  as  a  distinct  one,  was  remarkable 
chiefly  as  being  natural  pacers,  and  of  such  peculiar  action  as  to  render 
them  peculiarly  easy  under  the  saddle.  Though  small,  they  were  hardy 
and  full  of  power,  and  their  docility  was  such  as  to  render  them  very 
pleasant  to  handle.  The  stock  are  said  to  have  been  imported  into  Ncm^ 
England,  from  Andalusia,  by  one  Gov.  Robinson,  and  to  have  been  bred 
chiefly  in  Rhode  Island,  where  they  were  long  held  in  great  repute. 
Good  saddle  horses  were  in  much  demand  in  Cuba,  and  prior  to  the  time 
when  the  Narragansett  Pacer  began  to  attract  attention,  the  Cubans  had 
been  dependent  for  their  horses  upon  the  mother  country.  But  the  voyage 
was  long,  the  risk  considerable,  and  the  cost  great,  and  when  it  was 
once  ascertained  that  a  superior  saddle  animal,  (according  to  the  taste  of 


gg  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

the  times),  could  ])e  had  in  Rhode  I.shmd,  much  nearer  home,  a  trade  was 
at  once  opened,  which  continued,  with  much  protit  to  the  Khode  J-iland 
Dreeders,  till  the  roadways  of  the  West  Indies  became  so  much  improved 
as  to  render  the  introduction  of  light  carriages  a  natural  consequence.  A 
iomewhat  different  horse  was  then  required,  and  the  trade  in  America r. 
•tock  began  to  decline.  As  the  Cuban  market  became  less  and  less  prof- 
itable,  the  interest  of  the  stock-owiiers  experienced  a  corresponding  de- 
crease, till  at  last  the  effort  to  preserve  the  pacer  as  a  distinct  breed ' 
ceased  altogether. 

At  the  present  day,  though  the  influence  of  the  Narragansett  Pacer 
upon  New  England  horses  is  in  many  instances  perceptible,  he  is  no 
longer  known  in  his  former  purity. 

XVII.  The  Vermont  Draft  Horse. 

Vermont  has  given  the  United  States  one  of  the  two  celebrated  families  of 
draft  horses,  than  which  few  of  the  breeds  have  combined  greater  excellence. 
Animals  with  lofty  crests,  thin  withers,  short  backed,  round  barrelled,  close 
ribbed,  clean  and  sinewy  limbed,  that  would  at  first  be  taken  for  ponies. 
Standing  next  to  them  they  would  be  found  to  be  sixteen  hands  high 
and  over,  and  on  the  scales  they  would  tilt  the  lever  at  from  1150  to  1250 
pounds. 

Of  the  origin  of  the  Vermont  draft  horse  but  little  is  known,  but  it  is  more 
than  probable  that  the  old  Suffolk  cart  horse,  imported  into  Massachusetts  in 
1821,  the  Cleveland  bay,  brought  there  in  1825,  and  the  thorough-bred  horses 
introduced  in  1828,  bred  upon  the  best  common  mares  of  the  country,  have 
produced  a  class  of  horses,  the  lighter  ones  of  which  were  driven  to  the  stage 
coaches  of  thirty  to  fifty  years  ago,  as  they  have  seldom  been  driven  in  any 
other  hill  country. 

And  this  class  was  grand  for  heavy  work.  The  heavier  specimens  of  which 
furnished  the  best  heavy  team  horses  in  the  country,  not  excepting  the  Cones- 
toga,  a  horse  fully  a  hand  higher,  and  admirable  in  every  respect  for  heavy 
draft,  as  we  used  to  see  them,  in  the  great  six  and  seven  horse  teams  coming 
from  the  mountains  of  Pennsylvania  through  to  New  York.  It  is  to  be  re- 
gretted that  the  furor  over  the  Morgans  since  that  time  has  caused  the  Ver- 
mont draft  horse  to  become  quite  rare,  so  that  now  it  is  rather  difficult  to  find 
a  good  specimen  of  the  breed  as  it  once  existed. 

The  disappearance  of  these  fine  old  horses,  however,  is  of  a  piece  with  the 
disappearance  of  many  other  relics  of  the  good  old  times.  We  think  fondly 
of  what  once  prevailed,  and  it  seems  as  though  nothing  ever  could  be  so  good 
again,  but  those  who  never  knew  our  favorites  seem  quite  content,  and  get  on 
full  as  well  as  though  our  pet  things  never  had  existence.  Thus  the  essential 
things  of  one  age  sink  from  sight  in  another. 


THE  HORSE,    DIFFERENT  BREEDS,  ETC.  -89 

XVIII.  The  Canadian. 

This  horse,  when  pure,  is  entitled  to  be  considered  distinct.  He  can 
l»y  no  claim,  of  course,  to  being  regarded  as  the  natural  horse,  no  more 
than  the  Norman,  Percheron  or  the  English  thorough-bred  ;  but  his  char, 
acteristics  are  so  marked  as  to  render  him  worthy  of  being  classed  sep«> 
rately  and  noticed  mth  some  minuteness. 

He  is  supposed  to  be  descended  from  the  Norman-French  horse,J 
brought  over  by  the  pioneers  of  Canada ;  but  how  crossed,  (though  he  is 
evidently  the  result  of  a  cross),  it  is  impossible  to  say.  In  some  partic- 
ulars, he  so  much  resembles  the  old  horse  of  Normand^'^  as  to  seem  the 
unmistakable  descendant  of  that  stock ;  whereas  in  others  he  is  so  unlike 
him  as  to  indicate  that  the  cross  must  have  been  with  a  very  strongly 
marked  animal,  of  great  powers  of  transmission. 

The  distinguishing  characteristics  may  be  stated  as  follows :  The 
average  height  is  about  fourteen  hands  ;  the  body  is  solid,  compactly  put 
together,  but  somewhat  inclined  to  flatness  of  side  ;  the  head  is  rather 
large  for  a  horse  of  the  height  stated,  but  it  is  well  formed  and  lean,  so 
that  it  does  not  appear  out  of  proportion  and  cumbersome  ;  the  forehead 
is  broad  ;  the  ears  are  wide  apart,  and  carried  well  up  ;  the  eye  is  small 
and  clear,  and  has  a  bold  expression ;  the  chest  is  broad  and  full ;  the 
shoulder  is  strong,  but  inclining  to  be  straight  and  rather  lo  w  and  heavy 
at  the  withers  ;  the  loins  are  fine  ;  the  croup  round  and  fleshy ;  the  thighs 
muscular  ;  the  legs  comparatively  heavy  and  joints  pretty  large,  but  the 
bones  are  flat,  and  no  race  of  horses  has  sounder  and  more  powerful 
limbs  ;  and  none  can  equal  the  Canadian  as  to  feet — these  being  tough, 
hard,  iron-like,  and  free  from  disease,  even  under  the  most  unfavorable 
circumstances.  This  seems  to  be  one  of  his  most  valuable  chai^cteristica 
of  body.  Bad  handling,  awkward  shoeing,  hard  travel — nothing  In  the 
bounds  of  reason  seems  to  affect  his  feet.  Diseases  of  this  part  are 
almost  absolutely  unknown. 

The  mane  and  tail  are  peculiar,  being  very  heavy,  and  in  almost  all 
cases,  wavy.  The  back  sinews  are  shaggy-coated,  nearly  to  the  knee, 
and  the  fetlocks  are  long. 

The  prevailing  color  is  black ;  but  browns  and  chestnuts  are  frequently 
found  ;  sometimes  sorrels  and  duns,  having  manes  and  tails  lighter  than 
the  body.  Occasionally  there  may  be  found  a  dark  iron-gray,  with' 
black  legs. 

Canadians  are  long-lived,  easily-kept,  and  capable  of  the  greatest 
endurance.  They  are  heavy  enough  for  the  purposes  of  the  farmer ;  and 
as  roadsters,  while  they  are  not  to  be  regarded  as  rapid  travelers,  they 
maintain  a  reasonable  rate  of  speed,  say  six  miles  an  hour,  for  long  jour- 


90  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

ne3's  and  continuously,  and  this  Avhile  carrying  a  heavy  weight.  It  ii 
nothing  iniconimon  for  them  to  do  tifty  miles  a  day  for  many  days  in 
succession ;  and  some  have  been  known  to  do  seventy,  eighty,  even 
ninety  miles,  at  a  single  stretch  of  one  day. 

The  breed  is  widely  spread,  but  chie€y  in  a  mixed  state,  (inferior  to 
the  true  Canadian  in  almost  every  instance),  in  the  Northern  and  Eastern 
States.  Few  horses  are  entitled  to  more  O'Onsideration  at  the  hands  of 
those  who  would  obtain  the  best  medium-sized  and  easily-kept  animals 
for  the  farm ,  and  for  mefdium  heavy  and  moderaty^ly  rapid  draft. 

XIX.    The  Connestoga. 

A  somewhat  peculiar  horse  of  all-work,  said  to  hav-<«  originated  as  a 
distinct  stock  in  the  valley  of  Connestoga.  They  are  believed  to  be 
descended  from  Flemish  and  Danish  cart-horses  brought  c^er  by  the 
early  German  settlers  of  this  part  of  the  country,  with  a  probable  admix- 
ture of  the  ordinary  draft  horse  in  common  use  in  the  German  Stat^^s  at 
that  day.  There  is,  however,  no  record  of  the  origin  of  the  breed,  and 
all  speculation  may  be  at  fault.  They  resemble  for  the  most  part  the 
Flemish  horse,  especially  in  color,  all  the  prevailing  Flemish  colors  except 
black  being  found  among  them  in  like  proportion. 

The  Connestoga  is  a  tall  horse,  often  seventeen  hands  high ;  but  his 
limbs  are  light  for  his  height,  and  he  is  not  inclined  to  be  full  of  flesh, 
having  a  muscular  rather  than  a  fatty  heaviness,  so  that  he  is  very  power- 
ful in  proportion  to  his  weight.  He  is  used  chiefly  for  wagons,  canal 
boats,  and  heavy  carriages,  for  which  purposes  he  is  both  strong  and 
quick  enough. 

He  is  less  distinct  than  formerly,  and  no  pains  are  taken  to  preserve 
the  bre"*^  as  such. 

XX«     Ponies. 

The  small,  or  pony  breeds,  are  numerous  ;  but  the  only  ones  deserving 
special  mention  are  the  Shetlands,  the  Indian,  and  the  Mexican  Musfcmg. 
The  former  is  the  most  distinct  and  best  type  of  the  ponies  of  the  Old 
World,  while  the  Indian  and  the  Mustang  are  the  chief,  if  not  the  only 
joative  kinds,  kno^vn  among  us. 

There  are  ponies  somewhat  similar  to  the  Shetlands  in  th^  northern 
parts  of  Sweden  and  of  Iceland,  in  Wales,  and  on  the  southAvestern 
coast  of  England.  All  these  little  animals  seem  to  have  originated  m 
latitudes  to  which  the  horse  is  not  native,  and  to  be  dwarfed  des3endants 
of  large  and  powerful  progenitors. 

Noticing  first  the  Shetlands ^  those  of    most  perfect  form,  though  of 


THE  HORSE,  DIFFERENT  BREEDS,  ETC. 


n 


small  size,  are  found  in  the  extreme  northern  isles  of   Yell  and  Unst. 
In  height,  they  do  not  average  more  than  nine  or  ten  hands  ;    and  man/ 


are  found  that  do  no  exceed  seven  and  a  half.     It  is  held  that  no  trua 
Shetland  can  be  so  tall  as  eleven  hands.     In  form  they  are  round  and 


92  ILLUSTRATED     STOCK     DOCTOR. 

closely  ribbed  up  ;  the  head  is  well  shaped  —  lean  and  bony,  wide  in  th« 
brow,  sometimes  slightly  basin-faced,  like  the  Arab  ;  the  ears  are  very 
small,  well  placed,  are  carried  erect;  the  eyes  are  large  and  bright,  with 
a  fine  look  of  intelligence  ;  the  neck  is  short  and  thick,  and  covered  with 
a  great  mass  of  coarse  mane  ;  the  shoulder  is  sloping,  thick,  and  having 
little  elevation  at  the  withers  ;  the  loins  are  broad  but  finely  formed ;  the 
quarters  are  well  made,  but  not  large  in  proportion  to  other  parts  ;  th« 
back  is  gently  curving,  with  never  an}^  tendency  towards  what  is  called 
sway-back  ;  the  legs  and  feet  are  of  excellent  shape,  and  of  the  most 
powerful  texture,  so  that  the  Shetlander  is  a  stranger  to  all  those  diseases 
of  the  feet  and  legs  to  which  many  horses  are  subject,  and  a  lame 
Shetland  is  almost  unknown  ;  the  tail,  like  the  mane,  is  of  great  volume. 

When  roaming  wild  they  live  on  the  poorest  fare,  and  are  exposed  to 
all  the  inclemencies  of  the  seasons.  When  they  cannot  pick  up  their 
scanty  subsistence  upon  the  uplands,  by  reason  of  the  snows  of  winter, 
they  betake  themselves  to  the  sea  shore  and  live  upon  kelp  and  sea  weed. 
When  taken  by  the  peasants  of  those  localities  which  they  most  inhabit, 
and  reduced  to  subjection,  they  still  require  but  little  food  and  little 
care. 

Their  endurance  is  very  great ;  and  though  they  are  of  course  incapable 
of  great  speed,  they  ^vill  carry  weights  largely  disproportioned  to  their 
size,  and  keep  up  a  uniform  pace  of  from  four  to  five  miles  an  hour 
throughout  the  day,  accomplishing  forty,  even  fifty  miles  between 
morning  and  evening  Avith  apparent  ease. 

They  are  gentle,  affectionate,  easily  trained,  and  as  children's  horses, 
and  for  all  other  purposes  for  which  a  pony  can  be  at  all  serviceable,  they 
are  the  best  of  all  found  in  either  hemisphere. 

The  prevailing  colors  are  black,  brown,  and  a  dark  sorrel. 

The  Mexican  Mustang,  one  of  the  most  widely  known  and  distinct  of 
American  ponies,  is  found  chiefly  on  the  prairies  of  Texas  and  Mexico. 
His  origin  is  doubtful ;  though  it  is  affirmed  that  notwithstanding  his 
di'minutive  size,  and  some  striking  points  of  degeneracy,  there  is  clear 
indication  of  Spanish  origin.  It  is  difficult,  however,  to  account  for  the 
difference  between  him  and  other  wild  horses,  that  discover  in  size  aa 
well  as  in  general  formation  that  they  are  the  descendants  of  animals 
left  or  lost  upon  the  American  continent  by  the  early  Spanish  discoverer* 
»nd  conquerors. 

These  ponies  are  undersized  ;  of  very  slight  limbs  ;  often  ugly  and  dis- 
proportionately made  ;  with  long  neck,  long  back,  and  long,  slender  and 
weak  posteriors.  Their  hoofs  are  often  badly  formed,  tending  to  flatness 
and  irregularity.  Their  heads,  however,  though  long,  are  lean,  w«41 
shaped,  and  wellset ;    and  their  nostrils  are  wide.      Their   manes  and 


THE  HORSE,  DIFFERENT  BREEDS,  ETC.  93 

tails  are  fine.  They  have  some  activity  and  spirit,  and  are  sometimes 
vicious,  but  not  difficult  to  subdue.  In  a  wild  state,  they  are  easily  out- 
winded  by  well-tranied  horses  of  the  larger  breeds  ;  but  domestication 
seems  to  have  the  effect  of  improving  their  powers  of  endurance,  as  thej 
do  good  service  for  the  Comanche  Indians  as  a  cavalry  horse — carrying 
those  warriors,  and  enabling  them  successfully  to  evade  the  pursuit  of 
well-trained  United  States  cavalry. 

Almost  every  color  is  found  among  them. 

The  Indian  Pony,  another  American,  is  thought  to  be  a  degenerated 
Korman^ — ha\ang  sprung  from  horses  of  that  stock  brought  to  Canada  by 
the  first  French  emigrants,  and  allowed  by  some  means  to  escape  into 
the  forests,  as  was  the  case  with  certain  Andalusians  farther  south. 
Wandering,  from  generation  to  generation,  in  those  cold  regions,  and 
under  circumstances  altogether  unfavorable  to  the  production  of  generous 
growth,  they  have  become  dwarfed  and  in  other  particulars  modified  as 
to  form.  They  seem  in  their  present  state  to  be  a  perfectly  distinct 
animal ;  and  they  possess  many  points  of  excellence.  They  are  found 
in  the  upper  Mississippi  country,  on  the  borders  of  Canada,  and  west  of 
the  great  lakes,  and  are  used  chiefly  by  the  different  tribes  of  northern 
Indians.  Great  herds  of  them  are  found  in  a  wild  state  on  the  north- 
western prairies. 

They  are  a  larger  animal  than  the  Mustang,  and  in  most  respects  far 
superior  to  him.  Though  he  is  to  be  considered  a  true  pony,  he  is  often 
thirteen,  sometimes  even  fourteen,  hands  high.  The  body  is  very 
strongly  built,  being  round-ribbed,  short-barreled,  and  with  powerful 
limbs.  The  neck  is  thick  and  short ;  the  legs  are  covered  with  thick 
hair,  and  seem  somewhat  heavy  and  clumsy,  but  they  are  as  firm,  mus- 
cular, iron-like  and  sound,  as  those  of  the  Shetlands.  The  mane  is  very 
heavy,  often  falling  on  both  sides  of  the  neck,  while  the  forelocks  cover 
the  eyes,  and  give  a  sort  of  shaggy  appearance  about  the  upper  portion 
of  the  head ;  the  tail  is  also  heavy  and  generally  inclined  to  be  wavy. 
They  have  a  high  crest,  and  quite  a  proud  carriage  of  the  head.  They 
are  docile,  intelligent,  sure-footed,  capable  of  enduring  all  the  rigors  ot 
a  northern  Winter,  and  able  to  perform  long-continued  journeys,  at  a 
moderate  pace,  while  carrying  or  drawing  disproportionate  burdens. 

Their  courage  is  so  high  that  they  do  not  readily  succumb  to  any  hard* 
snip,  however  trying  its  nature,  and  though  coupled  with  poorness  and 
acantiness  of  fare. 


CHAPTER  V. 


BBEEDING   AND   RAISING 


I.     IMPORTANCE    OF   THE  SUBJECT.  II.      THE  BEST  STOCK  THE  CHEAPEST.  HI.     H»» 

REDITARY  TENDENCIES  AND  IMMATURITY    TO     BE    GUARDED  AGAINST.  IV.     PRINCI- 
PLES OP  TRANSMISSION. V.      THE  TWO  METHODS,  "  IN-AND-IN  "   AND  ''CROSS"  BREBIH 

ING  CONSIDERED. VI.        TREATMENT    OP    THE    MARE    AFTER    BEING    SERVED,   DURtNO 

PREGNANCY,  ETC. VII.    HOW  TO  KNOW  WHETHER  A  MARE  IS  IN  FOAL.— — VIII.    HOW 

TO  KNOW  TIME  OP  FOALING. IX.      ABORTION,  OR  SLINKING  THE  FOAL. X.     HOW 

TO  RAISE  COLTS. XI.      MULES. 

I.    Importance  of  the  Subject. 

No  subject  connected  with  the  rearing  and  use  of  stock  can  be  of  more 
importance  to  the  farmer  and  stock-grower,  the  intelligent,  practical  bus- 
iness man,  than  that  of  breeding.  That  it  is  every  way  more  profitable 
to  any  one  who  rears  and  trains  a  single  colt  to  have  that  colt  of  the  very 
best  rather  than  of  any  indifferent  quality  is  almost  too  palpable  to  need 
a  moment's  consideration.  That  it  is  possible  for  every  man  of  observa- 
tion and  good  judgment  to  improve  his  stock  is  equally  obvious.  There 
is  no  line  of  work  which  horses  are  called  upon  to  perform  that  has  not 
its  peculiar  requirements,  that  can  be  better  met  by  some  specific  kind  of 
animal  than  by  one  chosen  at  haphazard.  It  is  a  matter,  then,  of  the 
plainest  common  sense  that  every  one  who  means  to  rear  a  horse  for  his 
own  use  should  consider  beforehand  to  what  purposes  he  will  most  prob- 
ably devote  it.  If  it  is  designed  for  market,  he  needs  no  less  to  consult 
his  interests  by  determining  what  markets  are  accessable  to  him,  and  what 
description  of  animal  will  be  apt  to  find  most  ready  sale  therein,  at  most 
remunerative  prices. 

For  the  farmer  who  wants  to  bre«d  and  rear  horses  of  all  work,  it 
would  be  manifestly  foolish  to  seek  a  high-priced  pure-blooded  race,  for  hii 
94 


THE    HOUSE,    BREEDING  AND  RAISING.  95 

mares,  unless  the  mares  themselves  were  of  such  type  as  to  render  it 
necessary  to  breed  to  high  and  elegant  stallions  in  order  to  obtain  those 
medium-sized,  but  compact,  and  moderately  quick-paced  animals  that  are 
«o  well  adapted  to  all  the  wants  of  the  farmer. 

On  the  other  hand,  one  wanting  a  light  and  fleet  animal  would  set  his 
inconsiderateness  in  a  striking  manner  who  should  so  disregard  all  the  dic- 
tates of  sound  sense  as  to  hope  to  succeed  by  any  chance  selection  of 
either  mares  or  stallions.  , 

n.    The  Best  Stock  the  Cheapest. 

It  may  be  laid  down  as  the  lirst  rule — a  foundation  principle — ^that  the 
very  best  and  purest  stock  that  is  really  adapted  to  the  end  in  view  should 
he  sought  after. 

It  costs  even  less  to  feed  a  horse  of  good  blood  and  lineage  than  it  does 
to  maintain  a  scrub  ;  it  costs  no  more  to  shelter  him  ;  it  costs  less  to  groom 
him  and  keep  him  in  condition  than  it  does  to  keep  the  scrub  from  looking 
like  a  scare-crow ;  his  movement  is  almost  invariably  smoother  and 
steadier  for  the  same  rates  of  speed  ;  his  temper  is  generally  better  ;  his 
pluck  and  energy  not  less  so  ;  and  if  it  is  found  necessary  to  put  him  upon 
the  market,  he  brings  a  better  price.  The  service  of  a  stallion  known  to 
be  of  good,  generous  blood,  and  possessing  adequate  powers  of  transmis- 
sion, must  of  course  cost  more ;  there  must  be  a  dam  adapted  to  the 
obtaining  of  a  foal  of  the  best  t3rpe  possible  from  such  a  sire  ;  but  the 
penny-wise,  pound-foolish  policy  of  refusing  to  avail  one's  self  of  these 
advantages,  when  in  the  bounds  of  possibility,  is  too  apparent. 

Taking  it  for  granted,  then,  that  the  best,  in  this  case,  is  always  the 
cheapest — that  the  finer  and  purer  the  horse  can  be,  other  things  being 
equal,  the  more  useful,  more  easily  maintained,  and  more  marketable  he  is 
bound  to  be,  it  remains  to  consider  some  points  that  must  always  be  re-^ 
gtrded  by  the  intelligent  breeder,  who  seeks  wisely  to  adapt  means  to 
ends  rather  than  to  trust  to  chance. 

m.    Hereditary  Tendencies  and  Immaturity  to  be  Guarded  Against. 

A  caution  most  needful  to  be  insisted  upon  at  the  outset  is  that 
relating  to  the  transmission  of  tendencies  to  disease  and  of  actual  disease 
itself.  It  seems  that  no  man  in  his  right  senses,  knowing  the  results  to 
the  human  family  when  this  consideration  is  disregarded,  would  think  for 
a  moment  of  utterly  ignoring  the  possibilities  of  evil  consequences  ;  but 
ordinary  observation  leads  to  the  disclosure  of  the  fact  that  among 
horses  diseases  and  impaired  constitutional  powers  are  often  transmitted 
tQ  this  way.     Mares  at  an  advanced  age,  too  stiff,  too  weak,  too  slow  to 


go  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 

be  of  any  further  active  use,  are  turned  to  account  for  breeding  purposes 
—  and  the  result  is,  a  weak  foal,  lacking  thrift  and  lacking  spirit. 
Mares  hacked  about  until  they  are  ring-boned,  spavined,  and  splinted,  or 
perhaps  dropsical  or  ^\'ith  a  glanderous  tendency, — no  longer  useful  on 
the  farm  or  on  the  road,  are  relieved  from  the  work  which  they  can  no 
longer  do  with  any  chance  of  profit,  and  sent  to  the  stallion.  Result:  a 
foal  ^\^th  a  rickety  or  knotty  osseous  system,  or  with  a  tendency  to  some 
form  of  dropsy,  or  ready,  in  the  presence  of  any  exciting  cause,  to 
develop  a  case  of  glanders.  And  so  of  other  disorders,  more  especially 
of  roaring,  thick-wind,  blindness,  contracted  feet,  grease,  and  affections 
of  the  brain  and  nervous  system.  Some  mares  have  a  peculiar  predispo- 
sition to  surfeit,  some  to  swelled  legs,  some  to  vertigo,  some  tt)  a  sort  of 
unaccountable  viciousness.  No  wise  breeder  can  afford  to  disregard  these 
things.  If  he  wishes  to  rear  a  horse^'for  service,  he  wants  a  sound  foal ; 
for  he  knows  he  can  get  from  such  a  one  more  work  for  less  cost 
than  from  one  unsound  in  bone,  muscle,  secretions  or  integument. 
If  he  designs  to  breed  for  market  he  is  aware  that  neither  a  puny  nor  a 
diseased  creature  can  be  palmed  off  there  either  to  his  profit  or  his  credit. 

To  insure  healthy,  active,  thrifty  progeny,  then,  the  dam  must  be 
sound  and  vigorous;  and  this  is  no  less  true  of  the  sire.  We  dwell  less 
upon  the  latter  because  it  is  of  far  less  frequent  occurrence  for  a  broken 
down  and  diseased  stallion  to  be  kept  for  the  service  of  mares  than  for 
mares  of  this  description  to  be  put  to  breeding  because  they  are  known 
to  be  fit  for  nothing  else,  but  are  erroneously  deemed  useful  for  this. 
The  condition  of  the  stallion,  however,  must  not  be  overlooked.  Every 
breeder  must  have  a  care  to  choose  a  vigorous  stallion,  and  one  free  from 
blemishes,  mal-formation  and  hereditary  taints. 

Nor  should  mares  be  put  to  breeding  too  young.  They  should  be  full 
grown  and  vigorous,  and  when  their  powers  begin  to  fail  they  should  no 
longer  be  subjected  to  this  service.  It  is  the  practice  of  some  to  begin 
to  breed  at  two  years  of  age.  This  is  injurious  to  the  mare,  and 
otherwise  unprofitable  to  the  owner.  The  growth  of  the  mare  is 
hindered  ;  her  form  is  modified  both  by  the  weight  of  the  stallion  and  by 
carrying  the  foal.  And  the  foal  itself  is  apt  to  lack  fullness  and  power, 
yet,  it  takes  from  the  young  mother  that  sustenance  which  she  needs  for 
her  own  development,  so  that  she  is  dwarfed,  while  it  grows  up  a  mora 
or  less  puny  creature  —  of  insufBeicnt  vafue  to  compensate  for  the  injury 
done  to  the  dam.  No  mare  should  be  so  used  till  she  is  at  least  three 
years  old — four  would  be  the  better  and  more  profitable  age.  It  is  said 
that  mares  which  are  allowed  to  mature,  and  are  well  treated  afterwards, 
will  not  lose  enough  of  their  natural  vigor  to  disqualify  them  for  bringing 
forth  good  foals  till  after  they  are  twenty  years  old ;   but  it  is  idle  to 


THE  HORSE,  BREEDIXG  AND    RAISING.  0^ 

expect  good,  strong,  well-formed,  thrifty,  and  spirited  o:ffspring  from  a 
mare  that  is  either  too  young  or  too  old ;  or  that  is  subjected,  even  in 
maturity,  to  hard  work,  poor  and  insufficient  food,  and  cruel  handling. 

rv.    Principles  of  Transmission. 

Let  us  next  notice  this  principle,  that  ivhen  the  dam  a7id  the  sire  both 
JI)Ossess  a  due  amount  of  vigor,  the  foal  will  combine  in  itself  the  most 
marked  characteristics  of  both  ;  while  any  quality  that  is  peculiar  to  either 
of  them  is  api  to  be  prominent  in  the  offspring.  This  applies  to  both  dis- 
position and  physical  conformation. 

It  will  be  seen  from  this  statement  that  no  matter  what  the  general  line 
of  policy  to  be  pursued  by  the  breeder,  that  of  in-and-in,  or  that  of 
crossing,  he  must  select  his  stallions  and  mares  mth  the  view  to  having 
one  supplement  the  other.  If  the  mare  is  deficient  in  any  point,  the 
horse  should  be  full  or  predominant  there,  and  vice  versa  ;  and  if  any  pe- 
culiar trait  is  desired,  that  should  be  very  strongly  developed  in  either 
sire  or  dam,  while  merely  nominal  in  the  other. 

Another  special  point  to  be  considered  is  this  :  that  for  the  production 
of  a  full-formed,  symmetrical,  vigorous,  and  thrifty  foal,  the  mare  should 
be  proportionately  larger  than  the  horse.  An  overgrown  stallion,  of  great 
power,  serving  a  mare  of  diminutive  size,  or  of  size  somewhat  less  in  pro- 
portion than  his  oavu,  will  beget  her  a  strong  embryo  that  will  require 
more  room  and  more  nourishment  than  the  mare  can  afford ;  and  the  result 
must  be  weakness,  and,  probably,  deformity — almost  inevitably  diminutive 
size.  Men's  mmds  were  particularly  called  to  this  fact  in  Great  Britain 
when,  during  a  course  of  years,  the  farmers  of  Yorkshire  thought  that  by 
breeding  their  mares  to  the  very  largest  stallions  they  could  find,  and 
without  regard  to  the  size  of  the  mare,  ihey  could  meet  the  demand  in 
LondC/^  for  great  overgrown  horses,  which  it  was  then  the  fashion  to  drive 
in  coaches  and  other  heavy  carriages.  The  result  was  a  race  of  almost 
worthless  creatures. 

In  other  points  than  mere  size,  more  depends  upon  the  selection  of  the 
mare  than  that  of  the  horse.  The  great  majority  are  mares  bred  after 
their  own  stock  unless  the  stallion  is  so  powerful  as  to  neutralize  or  over- 
come this  physiological  peculiarity ;  so  that  it  is  necessary  for  her  to  be  of 
good  lineage  if  the  best  results  are  wanted.  If  she  has  come  from  dis-= 
eased,  vicious,  or  in  any  way  evil  ancestry,  though  she  may  be  free  from 
perceptible  taint,  the  bad  pomts  of  her  stock  will  very  probably  appear 
in  her  offspring.  This  principle  makes  it  necessary  to  have  a  regard  for 
her  color  and  for  the  color  that  is  known  to  have  been  prevalent  in  her 
line,  since  any  dirty,  vari-tinted,  and  other^\^se  disagi-eeable  colors  may 
appear  in  a  foal  of  hers  if  her  progenitors  have  had  such  a  hue. 


§g  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 

V.    The  tveo  Methods,  "In-and-in"  and  "Cross"  Breeding  Considered. 

As  for  the  two  leading  methods  of  breeding,  circumstances  generally 
determine  which  the  farmer  or  other  breeder  on  a  moderate  scale  is  to 
adopt.  He  is  now  almost  always  under  the  absolute  necessity  of  cross- 
ino- ;  and  the  main  point  with  him  is,  Itoic  to  cross,  in  order  to  secure  the 
best  results.  The  main  directions  are  already  laid  down,  with  sufficient 
minuteness  to  enable  anyone  of  ordinary  intelligence  to  judge  as  to  the 
best  means.  One  point  must  not  be  overlooked,  that  really  to  improve 
the  stock  of  horses  as  to  blood — to  obtain  a  strain  that  has  the  power  of 
transmitting  itself,  and  of  so  continuing  in  a  steady  line  of  improvement, 
recourse  must  be  had  to  pure  blooded  horses.  The  English  racer  or 
thoroughbred  is  almost  our  sole  reliance  in  this  respect ;  although  an 
Arab  may  occasionally  be  found.  The  true  Norman  Percheron  is 
endowed  with  this  characteristic  of  pure-blooded  horses — he  has  great, 
power?  of  impressing  himself  upon  his  offspring,  and  perpetuating  the 
strain  ;  but  he  is  too  heavy  for  the  ordinary  run  of  mares  in  this  country  j 
and  if  heavy  draft  stock  rather  than  the  lighter  horse  of  all  w^ork  is 
wanted,  the  Percheron  mare  should  also  be  used — -or  some  other  of  equal 
lenolli  and  weight.  Good  mares  of  the  common  mixed  breeds  in  the 
United  States,  bred  to  the  light  Arab,  Barb,  or  thorough-bred  stallions, 
will  almost  invariably  produce  foals  partaking  of  their  own  size  and 
strength,  and  of  the  finer  forms,  activity,  and  wind  of  the  stalhon.  It  is 
difficult  to  lay  down  any  specific  rule  for  crossing.  The  whole  matter 
must  be  left  to  the  good  sense  of  the  breeder,  after  the  general  state- 
ment of  principles  previously  set  forth-  If  the  breeder  has  in  view  a 
mere  racer,  and  is  unable  to  obtain  both  thorough-bred  mare  and  stallion, 
let  hinx  seek  the  racing  stallion,  at  least,  and  one  that  will,  as  previously 
directed,  supplement  his  mare — supply  the  points  in  which  she  i'-  want- 
ino-  for  that  specific  purpose.  If  he  -wishes  a  trotter,  the  same  ca»e  must 
be  observed.  As  trotting  horses  are  of  late  days  in  great  demand  in  the 
United  States,  we  insert  here  a  cut  of  one  of  the  most  celebrated  of  the 
Old  World  trotters,  the  "Marshland  Shales,"  a  horse  foaled  m  1802, 
and  which  was  known  to  old  age  as  the  very  best  m  the  British  Isles. 
A  careful  study  of  his  conformation,  will  be  of  advantage  to  those  who 
seek  to  learn  the  peculiar  points  of  a  horse  of  knoAvn  excellence.  H© 
was  a  half-bred  ;  and  the  impression  long  prevailed  among  the  sporting 
men  of  England,  (if  it  is  even  yet  extinct),  that  no  pure  thorough-bred 
nor  Arabian  could  excel  as  a  trotter. 

Now,  let  the  reader  compare  him  with  "Dervish,"  and  note  the  point* 
of  difference.  *'Der\nsh"  was  a  little  bay  Arab,  exceedingly  fine,  and 
remarkable  for  a  darting  or  straight  trot — throwing  out  his  fore-leg  and 


THE  HORSE,  BREEDING    AND    RAISING. 


99 


rtraighteiiing  the  knee  before  tiie  foot  touched  the  ground.  He  waa 
sound,  hard}^  and  a  powerful  foal-getter ;  and  ii  cross  with  such  a  horso, 
C4»oQ  any  well-formed,  large  and  reasonably  long-bodied  mare,  would  be 


•pt  to  produce  the  beau  ideal  of  a  trotter — moderately  large,  long,  yet 
compact,  and  with  light  and  clean  yet  powerful  limbs. 

Notice  particularly  the  cut  representing  ''Gold  Dust,"  a  Kentucky 
uorse,  foaled  near  Lexington,  the  property  of  L.  L.  Dorsey,  a  few  years 
pnor  to  the   civil  war.     He  was  mixed  blooded,  haWng  been  sired  by 


100 


ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 


Vermont  Morgan,  a  great  trotter,  while  his  dam  had  in  her  both  Arabian 
and  thorough-bred  blood. 

It  is  worthy  of  consideration  on  the  part  of  the  breeder  that  the  cclta 
of  *'Gold  Dust"  showed  stronger  marks  of  their  Arabian  and  Eugiisii 


ancestry,  which  came  by  his  dam's  side,  and  remotely,  than  of  the 
Moriran,  his  sire,  so  superior  is  the  pure  blooded  horse  as  a  transmitter 
•f  his  own  qualities,  and  an  improver  of  breed.     "  Gold  Dust"  h  Avoith^f 


THE    HORSE,    BREEDING  AND    RAISING. 


101 


3f  study.  He  was  not  only  beautiful,  but  a  horse  of  the  finest  action — . 
a  fast  Avalker  and  famous  as  a  trotter.  When  native  American  stallions 
such  as  he  can  be  found,  the  owner  of  good  mares  need  not  repine  if  he 
finds  it   impossible   to   come   at  the   much-to-be-desired   pure   blooded 


foreigner.  He  may  rest  assured  of  getting  improved  colts,  and  of  mich 
character  as  will,  if  judiciously  handled,  perpetuate,  to  some  extent  at 
least,  their  own  grood  qualities. 

If  it  is  heavy  draft  stock  that  is  to  be  sought,  the  Norman  Percheron 


102  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK   DOCTOK. 

stallion,  as  we  have  previously  intimated,  ought  to  be  had,  provided  the 
breeder  has  mares  of  such  size  as  to  render  it  judicious  to  put  them  to  so 
large  a  horse  ;  otherwise,  the  Norman  Percheron  mare  may  be  most 
advantageously  bred  to  some  nati^'e  stallion,  say  a  Morgan,  a  good 
Canadian,  or  some  other  compactly  built  and  quicV-paced  horse. 

But  it  is  unnecessary  to  extend  these  suggestions.  If  the  breeder  will 
•onsider  with  care  what  he  really  wants,  and  observe  the  points  upon 
which  wc  have  touched,  he  will  be  at  no  loss  to  judge  intelligently  what 
course  to  pursue  when  cross-breeding  is  his  only  resource.  He  may 
often,  of  course,  find  it  difficult  to  obtain  just  the  stallion  which  his 
judgment  tells  him  he  should  have  for  his  class  of  mares  ;  but  this  is  a 
pointed  argument  in  favor  of  that  care  which  our  farmers  should  long 
;ago  have  exercised  in  this  matter.  Intelligent  attention  to  the  improve- 
ment of  our  stock  throughout  the  Union  vdW  soon  make  it  possible  for 
them  to  select  their  stallions^  rather  than  to  be  forced  to  take  up  ^ith 
every  hack  that  comes  along  with  a  flourish  of  red  surcingles  and  a 
wonderful  pedigree,  manufactured  to  order. 

As  to  in-and-in  breeding,  but  little  need  be  said.  All  the  long-winded, 
voluminous,  and  learned  discussions  of  the  subject  have  resulted  iji 
adding  but  little  more  to  our  stock  of  knowledge  than  this :  that  too 
close  in-and-in  breeding  is  likely  to  bring  about  weakness,  malformation, 
and  general  deterioration  ;  but  that  to  fix  and  preserve  and  intensify  a 
certain  strain,  the  Jew,  (to  speak  in  a  figure),  must  not  intermarry  with 
the  heathens  round  about  him.  In  other  words,  to  have  true  Morgans, 
both  sire  and  dam  must  be  of  that  stock,  though  of  different  families  : 
to  keep  up  the  real  Norman  Percheron  horse,  we  must  have  Norman 
Percherons,  both  male  and  female,  to  breed  from  ;  and  so  on. 

The  objection  to  close  in-and-in  breeding  seems  to  be  here :  that 
nearness  of  kin  is  apt  to  be  associated  ^vith  likeness  of  qualities,  both 
physical  and  mental,  (if  we  may  so  speak  of  the  horse)  ;  and  thus  the  great 
requirement  that  one  parent  must  supplement  the  other  is  not  complied 
with.  If  there  is  a  weak  point  in  both,  the  weakness  is  perpetuated  and 
made  worse,  whereas  a  weak  point  in  one  should  be  counteracted  b}'  a 
correspondingly  strong  point  in  the  other.  If  it  could  be  known  with 
absolute  certainty  that  two  animals,  close  of  kin,  had  strongly  marked 
opposite  traits  of  character,  constitution  and  conformation,  they  might 
be  bred  to  each  other,  and  with  the  best  of  results.  Such  is  sometimeg 
the  case ;  but  it  is  not  likely  to  be,  and  the  rule  should  be  as  we  hav« 
gaid — let  the  strain  be  the  same,  but  the  kinship  as  far  removed  as 
possible.  This  is  believed  by  the  most  candid  obsen^ers  to  be  the  secret  of 
Arab  success.  The  individual  breeder  knows  not  alone  his  own  animals, 
but  those  of  his  tribe,  and  of  other  tribes  as  well      Moreover,  the  Arab* 


THE    HORSE,  BREEDING  AND  RAISING.  103 

are  close  observers  and  astute  judges  of  horse  flesh,  and  an  intelhgent 
son  of  the  Desert  could  by  no  reasonable  means  be  induced  to  breed  his 
mare  to  a  stallion  m  which  his  eye  had  marked  some  weakness  or  evil 
tendency  which  he  knew  the  mare  likewise  to  possess,  however  slight  the 
indications  might  ])e  in  either. 

Then,  to  recapitulate  briefly ;  if  the  breeder  has  it  in  his  power  to  keep 
up  a  certain  stock,  let  him  guard  against  the  slightest  admixture  of  heathen 
blood ;  and  to  be  as  sure  as  possible  of  no  evil  results,  let  him  look  to  se- 
curing sires  and  dams  as  ^videly  removed  from  kinship  as  possible  ;  but  ho 
can  never  afford  to  disregard  the  point  previously  so  much  insisted  upon, 
as  a  principle  to  be  observed  in  crossing,  that  if  either  parent  has  a  fault, 
the  other  must  be  correspondingly  strong  there. 

VI.    Treatment  of  the  Mare  After  Being  Served,  During  Pregnancy,  etc. 

It  is  proper  next  to  notice  some  little  matters  of  detail  in  connection 
with  the  management  of  brood  mares. 

Forty-four  weeks  is  regarded  as  the  time  which  a  mare  goes  with  foal ; 
but  this  must  be  taken  as  mean  time,  since  one  occasionally  brings  forth 
a  perfect  colt  four  or  five  weeks  sooner,  and  others  will  go  equally  as  long 
beyond  this  period.  When  once  the  time  of  a  mare  is  known,  the  breeder 
can  generally  regulate  her  going  to  the  horse  so  as  to  have  the  colt  appear 
at  whatever  season  he  consideres  most  desirable,  but  without  this  knowl- 
edge he  cannot. 

After-  having  been  served  by  a  horse,  the  mare  should  be  allowed  to 
stand  idle  awhile,  as  conception  will  be  far  more  apt  to  take  place  if  she 
IS  left  to  herself.  If  put  to  brisk  motion,  or  to  any  strain  immediately 
after  copulation,  she  is  apt  to  fail  of  conception.  She  should  also  be  kept 
away  from  strmg-proud  or  badly  castrated  geldings,  not  only  at  this 
period,  but  during  her  entire  pregnancy,  as  they  are  apt  to  worry  her  to 
the  casting  of  the  conception,  or,  at  a  later  period,  to  slinking  the  foal. 

After  she  has  been  allowed  a  reasonable  season  of  quiet,  moderate  work 
will  be  rather  beneficial  than  injurious  ;  and  this  may  be  kept  up  until 
about  the  time  of  foaling.  Special  care  should  always  be  exercised  to 
guard  her  against  being  kicked,  heavily  thrown,  or  inordinately  strained 
in  any  way. 

It  sometimes  occurs  that  at  the  time  of  foaling,  a  false  presentation  is 
made,  producing  difliculty  of  delivery ;  but  no  reUable  instructions  can  be 
here  given  as  to  what  course  to  pursue  in  these  cases  ;  and  it  is  best  to 
seek  the  aid  of  some  skillful  veterinary  surgeon. 

The  mare  which  has  had  a  colt  will  be  found  in  season  sometime  withitt 
the  next  thirty  days,  and  she  ought  to  go  to  the  horse  at  this  time  if  she 
is  to  be  bred  at  all.     The  ninth  day  after  foaling  will  generally  be  found 


rM  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

to  Iv  the  right  time.  Whenever  indications  of  heat  are  discovered,  th» 
matter  should  not  be  dehiyed,  as  the  season  may  pass  off  and  not  return. 
After  putting,  the  days  of  trial  are  the  ninth,  then,  if  she  refuses,  the 
•eventh  after  this,  and  upon  a  second  refusal,  the  fifth  after  this,  which 
is  sutficient  to  prove  her. 

vn.    How  to  Know  Whether  a  Mare  is  in  PoaL 

It  is  often  important  for  both  breeders  and  traders  to  know  whether  x 
mtire  is  really  in  foal :  and  one  wTiter  has  published  the  following  direc- 
tions for  determining  this  point,  which  he  says  may  be  implicitly  relied  on  : 

'•After  the  first  service  of  the  horse,  and  before  the  next  trial,  on  ex- 
suuininjx  the  vagina,  or  bearing,  if  conception  has  not  taken  place  it  will 
be  of  a  fresh,  bright,  or  florid  and  moist  appearance,  with  a  clear  drop 
appearing:  at  the  lower  part,  and  which,  if  touched,  will  mcline  to  extend  : 
but  if  conception  is  present,  a  different  appearance  of  the  surface  of  the 
vaeina  will  be  presented.  It  ^\t11  be  found  dry.  and  of  a  dirty  broAvn  or 
rust  color :  and  a  dark,  brown  looking  drop  will  replace  the  former  clear 
di-op.  "NMien  these  latter  appearances  are  present,  pregnancy  may  be  re- 
garded as  certain." 

Vm.    How  to  Know  Time  of  Foaling. 

Two  days,  (in  some  mares  only  one),  before  foaling,  a  sort  of  sticky 
«ibstance  will  be  found  protruding  from  each  teat,  somewhat  resembling 
drops  of  milk.  Care  should  now  be  taken  to  provide  a  suitable  place  for 
her,  as  this  is  a  certain  indication  of  near  delivery.  She  should  be 
removed  from  other  animals,  and  a  careful  person  should  see  to  her  often 
enough  to  guard  against  accidents. 

Before  the  signs  referred  to,  as  shown  by  the  teats,  however,  there  is 
cfci  each  side  of  the  spinal  column,  from  the  tail  to  the  haunch,  a  furrow- 
like fold  ;  and  the  bag  will  generally  be  found  considerably  increased  in 
size.  These  signs  show  that  deliver^'  is  not  very  remote,  but  cannot  be 
relied  on  to  denote  the  day. 

rX.    Abortion,  or  Slinking  the  Foal. 

When  about  half  the  time  of  pregnancy  is  passed,  more  than  ordinary 
pains  should  be  taken  with  the  mare,  as  it  is  at  this  time,  if  at  all,  that 
•he  is  apt  to  slink.  She  ought  now  to  have  better  feeding,  and  even 
gentler  handling  than  she  had  pre\-iously  ;  though  at  all  times  the  o\vner 
but  consults  his  own  interests  when  he  carefully  guards  her  against  ill 
wsasre.  She  has  more  need  of  food,  and  is  less  able,  at  this  time,  to 
«(idure  hunger,  as  the  rapid  growth  of  the  foetus  makes  a  constant  and 


THE  HORSE,    BREEDING  AND  RAISING.  105 

severe  draft  upon  her  system..  Want  of  care  may  cause  abortion ;  and 
if  a  mare  once  casts  her  foal,  she  is  apt  to  do  so  at  a  corresponding  period 
of  pregnancy  afterwards, — more  especially  if  like  provocation  occurs. 

Various  other  causes  of  abortion,  some  of  which  may  be  briefly  adverted 
to,  for  the  purpose  of  pointing  out  certain  preventive  measures  and  sug- 
gesting others.  Blows,  strains,  and  any  violent  excitement  may  have 
this  effect ;  and  it  is  said  that  to  allow  a  mare  to  see  and  smell  food  to 
which  she  has  been  accustomed,  and  of  which  she  is  fond,  without  suffer- 
ing her  to  eat  of  it,  will  cause  slinking.  Feeding  hogs  or  other  stock 
upon  corn,  in  sight  of  a  mare  that  is  not  also  thus  fed,  is,  for  this  reason 
dangerous.  Sympathy  is  a  known  cause  :  a  pregnant  mare,  seeing  an- 
other cast  her  foal,  is  apt  to  be  affected  in  like  manner.  Nervous  spasms, 
or  a  sort  of  animal  hysteria,  resulting  from  sympathy  of  the  womb  with 
a  diseased  stomach  or  other  organ,  occasionally  results  in  causing  the 
foal  to  be  cast.  Some  affirm  that  a  smell  of  blood,  or  of  freshly  slaugii- 
tered  meat,  will  do  it. 

If  a  mare  slinks  because  of  a  hurt,  a  strain,  or  some  acute  attack  of 
disease,  she  is  not  apt  to  fall  into  the  habit  of  abortion,  pro\aded  proper 
care  is  taken  to  guard  against  exciting  causes  at  a  corresponding  period 
of  her  next  pregnancy. 

When  once  this  tendency  is  established,  however,  it  is  difficult  to  coun- 
teract it,  as  the  slinking  is  more  than  likely  to  take  place  at  times  when 
the  mare  is  not  under  observ^ation.  If  symptoms  of  casting  chance  to  be 
discovered  in  time,  it  may  be  prevented  by  promptly  burning  pigeon 
feathers,  (or  those  of  other  birds,  if  these  cannot  be  obtained),  on  a  hot 
pan,  or  a  psm  of  coals,  and  holding  them  so  that  she  will  be  obliged  to 
inhale  the  smoke. 

X.    How  to  Raise  Colts. 

If  the  colt  is  healthy  and  thriving,  he  should  be  weaned  at  from  five  to 
six  months  old.  If  allowed  to  run  with  the  dam  after  this  period,  he  is 
an  unnecessary  burden  to  her,  since  he  has  already  learned  to  pick  up 
and  devote  to  his  own  use  other  sustenance,  and  he  may  most  judiciously 
be  taken  away.  If  at  this  time  the  dam  is  still  inclined  to  furnish  milk 
80  copiously  as  to  render  the  udder  painful  to  her,  she  should  be  looked 
after  for  a  few  days,  to  see  that  the  over  fullness  does  not  result  in  inflam- 
mation and  swelling.  If  necessary,  draw  away  the  milk  by  hand  once 
a  day  for  three  days.  It  is  a  good  plan  to  keep  her  at  this  time  on  dryer 
food  than  usual,  and  at  more  than  ordinarily  steady  work.  This  course 
.vill  tend  to  prevent  the  secretion  of  the  usual  quantity  of  milk,  and  the 
»dder  will  soon  be  dry. 


log  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

No  matter  how  well  born  a  colt  may  be  he  can  never  amount  to 
anything  if  raised  a  starvelhig.  If  the  dam  is  what  she  should  be,  he 
will  have  been  furnished  with  abundant  sustenance  from  the  time  of 
conception  to  that  of  delivery,  which  is  one  of  the  secrets  of  full-formed, 
finely-proportioned,  vigorous  foals.  From  foal-time  to  weaning  he  will 
have  been  kept  vigorous  and  growing  by  the  quantity  and  character  of 
the  milk  fuiTiished  him,  together  with  such  little  food  as  he  has  early 
learned  to  partake  of  at  the  manger  and  in  the  pasture  of  the  dam .  And 
now,  upon  being  weaned,  it  is  of  the  utmost  importance  that  he  have 
liberal  food  and  suflGicient  protection  from  the  inclemencies  of  the 
weather.  This  must  be  carefully  attended  to  during  the  whole  period  of 
growth  if  he  is  expected  to  make  any  adequate  return  to  the  owner. 
Bruised  oats  and  bran  have  been  recommended  as  the  very  best  food  to 
be  given  for  a  considerable  time  after  weaning.  In  any  event  let  his 
food  be  supplied  with  regularity  ;  and  it  must  be  nutritious,  yet  of  such 
kind  and  so  disposed  as  to  be  easily  partaken. 

He  should  not  be  stabled  too  much,  nor  in  any  otner  way  too  closely 
confined  —  being  allowed  all  that  range  and  exposure  to  out-door  weather 
common  to  older  stock  in  the  more  clement  seasons  ;  but  he  should  never 
be  left  out  in  cool  rains  nor  in  the  storms  and  biting  cold  of  Winter.  If 
&  place  is  provided  in  which  he  may  always  shelter  himself  when  the 
condition  of  the  weather  inclines  him  to  seek  cover,  it  will  save  trouble 
and  yet  insure  a  natural  growth  and  that  hardihood  which  comes  of 
sufficient  contact  with  cold  and  heat.  For  this  purpose  a  straw  rick  is 
sometimes  recommended — so  constructed  as  to  furnish  shelter  on  the 
leeward  side.  This  will  give  at  the  same  time  both  bedding  and  a  light 
species  of  food. 

Provision  must  of  course  be  made  for  his  obtaining  readily,  and  at 
such  times  as  the  wants  of  nature  ma}^  dictate,  plenty  of  pure  water — 
the  purer  the  bette/. 

Thus  much  as  to  food,  drink,  and  shelter.  Another  point  of  impor- 
tance must  not  be  omitted  in  his  raising,  that  is,  familiarizing  him  with 
his  master  or  with  whomsoever  has  charge  of  him.  He  should  be 
handled  sufficiently  and  in  such  a  way  as  thoroughly  to  overcome  all 
shyness,  and  to  lead  him  to  feel  that  man  is  his  frietid.  This  confidence 
once  established,  his  training — when  the  proper  time  comes  for  that — will 
be  easily  and  successfully  accomplished  ;  his  subsequent  relations  Avith  his 
master  will  be  always  pleasant,  and  his  value  thereby  much  enhanced. 

And  this,  indeed,  touches  a  fundamental  principle  in  the  care  of  all  dumb 
beasts.  Lead  them  to  recognize  that  man  is  their  friend  ;  that  they  can  depend 
on  him  to  advance  their  comforts,  and  to  secure  their  welfare. 


THE  HORSE,    BREEDING  AND    RAISING.  107 

XI.    Mides. 

The  breeding  and  rearing  of  mules,  so  common  in  many  portions  of 
the  United  States,  requires  more  than  a  passing  consideration.  To  obtain 
the  best  results  in  crossing  with  the  ass  demands  as  much  intelliorent  care 
as  in  the  case  of  the  horse  :  and  the  mule-breeder  will  find  it  much  to  his 
advantage  thoroughly  to  inform  himself  as  to  how  these  results  are  to 
be  obtained. 

Many  mistaken  impressions  prevail  as  to  the  relative  usefulness  of  the 
mule,  as  compared  with  the  cost  of  breeding  and  maintenance. 

It  is  thought  by  the  inexperienced  that  he  is  almost  equally  adapted  to 
every  kind  of  draft  work  to  which  the  horse  may  be  put ;  that  his  power 
as  a  pack-animal  is  much  greater  than  that  of  the  horse  ;  that  his  endur- 
ance is  greater ;  that  he  can  subsist  on  less  food  ;  and  that  he  demands 
every  way  less  care.  All  these  things  are  set  down  to  his  advantage  ;  but 
in  most  instances  the  impressions  are  wholly  erroneous.  As  a  general 
thing,  he  is  not  well  adapted  to  road  or  to  city  purposes  at  all.  Especially 
are  hard  roads  and  pavements  destructive  to  him  if  he  is  large  of  body 
and  disproportionately  small  of  leg.  He  is  not  so  stout  as  a  horse  of 
proportionate  size  ;  he  is  utterly  incapable  of  carrying  so  great  burdens 
as  some  have  represented,  even  if  loaded  and  attended  by  experienced 
packers, — particularly  if  the  journey  is  to  be  continuous  and  the  roads 
are  at  all  heavy  ;  his  powers  of  endurance  are  not  greater  than  those  of 
the  hardier  kinds  of  horses  ;  he  will  consume  as  much  food  as  a  horse  of 
proportionate  size,  if  required  to  do  like  work  and  to  maintain  a  like  con- 
dition ;  and  as  to  care,  he  can  do  without  it — so  can  a  horse — but  both 
fail  thereby  of  that  eminent  thriftiness,  sprightliness  and  longevity  which 
is  to  be  expected  of  animals  to 'which  it  is  extended. 

On  the  other  hand,  and  to  his- discredit,  it  is  commonly  thought  that 
he  is  naturally  vicious,  and  wholly  incapable  of  appreciating  kindly  treat- 
ment— that  the  only  way  to  control  him  is  by  violence.  Hence,  those 
who  handle  him  generally  feel  as  though  they  are  justifiable  in  whipping, 
beating,  kicking  and  whatsoever  other  cruelties  they  may  choose  to  inflict. 
This  is  a  grievous,  foolish  and  wicked  mistake.  The  mule  has  one  means 
of  defense,  and  his  heels  are  dangerous  to  those  who  wantonly  provoke 
or  startle  him  and  place  themselves  in  his  way.  His  long  ears  are  sensi- 
live,  and  by  roughly  handling  them  his  combativeness  is  easily  aroused, 
and  distrust  is  awakened  to  that  degree  that  renders  him  almost  unman- 
ageable. Yet,  the  mule  may  be  so  raised  and  trained  as  to  make  him 
gentle,  obedient,  even  affectionate  and  ready  to  follow  his  master  like  a 
dog — so  trusty  that  only  the  one  always  necessary  precaution  need  be 
observed  in  dealing  with  him — to  keep  out  of  the  way  of  his  heels,  which 


]08  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

he  throws  out  as  instinctively  when  startled,  irritated  or  approached  by  * 
stransrer,  as  a  cat  thrusts  out  her  claws.  It  has  been  remarked  that 
"when  a  mule  gets  perfectly  gentle,  he  is  unfit  for  service;"  and  that, 
taken  in  connection  with  the  prevailing  method  of  training  him,  is  doubt- 
less true  ;  but  there  is  a  better  way,  and,  if  followed,  it  would  result  m 
we  have  stated  above. 

Now,  while  the  mule  is  not  adapted  to  everything,  and  endowed  with 
powers  that  are  adequate  to  endure  starvation  and  brutal  treatment  while 
in  the  performance  of  hard  and  faithful  service,  he  is  admirably  calcu- 
lated to  meet  many  of  the  wants  of  individuals  and  corporations  ;  and  his 
breeding,  rearing  and  training  are  matters  for  intelligent  consideration. 
For  supplying  the  army  he  cannot  be  replaced  ;  for  towing  canal  boats 
he  answers  admirably ;  for  hauling  cars  inside  of  coal  mines,  he  is  indis- 
pensable ;  for  the  general  knock-about  work  of  a  farm  he  is  good  in  all 
temperate  climates  ;  and  in  a  cotton  and  sugar  country,  where  it  is  warm 
and  sandy,  he  is  most  especially  valuable.  Though  he  cannot  endure 
everything  and  still  meet  every  requirement  of  a  heartless  task-master,  he 
is  yet  gifted  with  a  hardihood  that  is  admirable,  and  recuperative  powers 
that  are  astonishing.  Seemingly  half  dead,  utterly  broken  down  and 
worthless,  he  Avill,  with  a  little  rest  and  care,  soon  be  again  ready  for 
service. 

In  breeding  for  mules  no  less  attention  should  be  paid  to  the  selection 
of  suitable  mares  and  a  suitable  jack  than  in  the  case  of  horses.  It  is 
folly  to  use  old,  worn-out,  diseased,  ill-formed,  ill-conditioned  mares,  and 
yet  hope  to  obtain  a  good  foal.  As  a  general  thing  a  great,  overgrown, 
long-legged  mule  is  next  to  worthless.  He  is  expensive  to  keep  and 
unreliable  as  a  worker — lacking  wind,  strength  and  nimbleness.  The 
medium-sized,  clean,  compact  mule  is  by  all  odds  the  best,  unless  a  team 
can  be  found  to  combine  more  than  the  ordinary  height  with  round  bodies, 
not  disclosed  to  fleshiness,  and  larger,  stronger  legs  than  usual,  with  feet 
above  the  common  size — which  is  seldom  the  case.  The  Spanish  or 
Mexican  mule — the  offspring  of  stout,  close-built,  active  Mustang  or 
Mexican  mares  is  superior  in  endurance  to  any  known  in  the  United 
States.  He  requires  less  food,  takes  it  quicker,  and  is  always  in  bettei 
fix  for  travel.  If  it  is  more  profitable  to  raise  good  animals  than  poor 
ones,  (and  no  man  of  ordinary  intelligence  can  doubt  this  proposition), 
select  mares  for  mule  bearing  that  are  sound,  compactly  built,  and  yet 
without  any  contractedness  of  body  —  active,  strong,  every  way  service- 
able. Then,  the  choice  of  a  suitable  jack  is  important — doubly  so  from 
the  fact  that  the  great  majority  of  mares  breed  after  the  jack  in  the 
matter  of  legs  and  feet,  and,  if  it  is  a  good  and  powerful  jack,  the  foal 
will  generally  bear  his  marks,  which  is  a  matter  of    some  imnortauce. 


TIIE    HOUSE,  BREEDING  AND  RAISING. 


109 


since  mules  so  marked  are  always  regarded  by  experienced  stock  men  as 
being  most  hardy  and  valuable.  The  jack  should  be  large — the  larger 
the  better,  other  things  being  equal,  since  it  is  impossible  to  find  one  so 


much  surpassing  in  size  the  mares  we  have  described  as   to  render  him 
pbjectionable  on  account  of  disproportion,  as  may  easily  be  the  case  with 


110  ILLUSTRATED   STOCK   DOCTOR. 

a  horse.  Most  especially  must  the  breeder  have  an  eye  to  his  legs  and 
feet ;  for  here,  if  at  all,  the  mule  is  apt  to  be  a  failure  —  having  a  horse's 
body,  ready  to  take  on  flesh  beyond  his  requirements,  mounted  on  legs 
that  are  too  slight  of  bone  and  too  small  of  muscle,  with  feet  below  the 
standard  size  for  highest  usefulness. 

The  cut  on  preceding  page  is  a  portrait  of  a  large  and  powerful  Poitou 
ass,  an  animal  much  valued  in  that  district  of  France  for  breeding  heavy 
draft  mules  from  cart  mares.  The  one  here  represented  has  been  de- 
scribed as  being  fourteen  and  one-fourth  hands  high  ;  greatest  girth, 
seventy-seven  inches  ;  girth  behind  the  shoulders,  sixty-six  inches  ;  length 
of  ear,  fifteen  inches  ;  ears,  tip  to  tip  across,  thirty-two  inches  ;  with 
hoofs  much  larger  than  those  of  the  common  ass.  Compare  him  with 
the  small,  light  ass,  now  in  too  common  use  among  us.  The  differ- 
ence seems  to  be  almost  one  of  kind  ;  and  with  these  representations  in 
his  mind,  no  observant  stock-grower  can  be  persuaded  to  put  up  with  a 
poor  pretense  of  a  jack  for  the  ser\ice  of  his  mares. 

As  for  the  treatment  of  mares  that  are  to  be  thus  bred,  no  farther 
directions  need  be  laid  down,  since  it  must  be  substantially  the  same  as 
that  prescribed  for  the  breeding  of  horse  foals.  The  like  instructions 
relative  to  weaning,  feeding,  and  sheltering  the  colt  must  also  be  carried 
out ;  and  too  much  importance  cannot  be  attached  to  beginning  early  the 
work  of  familiarizing  him  with  man.  He  should  be  taught  to  regard  his 
keepers  without  fear,  to  allow  himself  to  be  haltered,  and  readily  to 
submit  to  direction  aiUd  guidance.  If  this  is  done,  he  will  be  easily 
trained,  when  the  proper  time  shall  have  arrived  ;  and  if  properly  handled 
and  judiciously  taught  then,  he  will  be  not  only  a  useful,  but  a  trusty 
and  agreeable  animal. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


HOW  TO  BREAK  AND  TRAIN  A  HOBSE. 


L  AXBRICAN  VS.   ENGLISH  FOALS. U.  AT  WEANING  TIME. III.  THE  FIRgT  LBgSON.^» 

rV.  TRAININQ. V.  TRAINING  TO  WORK. VI.   TRAINING  TO  BACK. VII.  TRAINING 

TO  SADDLE  AND  HARNESS. VIH.   TO  HANDLE    A    HORSE. IX.  HOW  TO  HANDLE  A. 

VICIOUS  COLT. X.   SADDLING  AND  HARNESSING. XI.   HOW  TO  SUBDUE  A  VICIOUS 

HORSE. Xn.   HOW  TO  TRAIN  TO  THE  SADDLE,  XIII.   TRAINING  TO  TROT  IN  HA*. 

NESS. XIV.  HOW  TO  TRAIN  TO  TROT  IN  LIGHT  HARNESS. XV.   HOW  TO  TRAIN  FOR 

THE  PLOW. XVI.  TRAINING  TO  THE  WAGON. XVII.  HOW  TO  TRAIN  A  RACER. , 

ICnn.  TRAINING  A  STALLION 


I.    American  vs.  English  Foals. 

It  is  a  common  remark  among  Englishmen  visiting  America  that  ouv 
horses  are  more  easily  controlled  and  managed  in  the  breaking  in  and 
training  than  English  horses,  and  hence  they  have  been  led  into  the  error 
of  supposing  that  they  were  deficient  in  courage  and  spirit.  Nothing 
could  be  farther  from  the  fact.  The  true  reason  is,  the  growing  foals  in 
the  United  States  are  more  the  companions  of  the  children  of  the  farmer 
than  in  England.  They  are  not  as  a  rule,  beaten  and  abused,  and  thus 
do  not  find  their  real  powers  of  resistance  as  they  do  in  England  under 
the  handling  of  hirelinsfs  of  little  intellio^ence,  and  almost  no  education. 
In  the  United  States  the  fondling  of  the  colts  and  fillies  commences 
almost  with  birth.  They  are  special  pets  of  the  boys  of  the  family.  On 
the  farm,  and  even  on  the  road,  the  mares  are  often  regularly  worked 
with  the  colts  running  at  the  feet,  a  very  bad  plan  for  the  colts,  acd 

111 


1 1  2  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 

especially  so  for  the  mares,  but  which,  nevertheless,  early  accustoms  the 
youDg  animals  to  strange  sights,  while  it  renders  them  tame  and  confiding. 

n.    At  Weaning  Time. 

The  true  education  of  the  colt  or  filly  should  begin  early ;  at  weaning 
time.  They  should  then  be  haltered  and  taught  to  lead,  to  stand  quietly 
in  the  stall  when  tied.  After  this  is  thoroughly  understood  the  colts  may 
then  have  their  liberty,  for  there  is  nothing  more  healthful,  or  better 
calculated  to  develop  those  powers  necessary  to  the  exhibition  of  speed, 
endurance,  or  great  muscular  exertion,  than  constant,  every-day  exercise, 
which  all  young  animals  naturally  take  in  their  play,  and  this  often  of 
the  most  violent  character. 

III.    The  First  Lesson. 

The  first  lesson  the  young  foal  should  be  taught  is  to  come  readily  at 
call.  This  is  easily  accomplished  by  pf'oviding  one's  self  with  delicacies, 
such  as  sugar  and  salt,  of  which  horses  are  especially  fond.  If  there  are 
a  number  of  them  they  will  all  take  the  lessons  together,  and  easier,  for 
the  most  intelligent  will  assist  the  others.  At  the  same  time  they  must 
be  taught  to  be  quiet  by  a  light  tap  of  the  whip  to  unruly  ones. 

In  haltering,  the  colt  or  filly  should  be  approached  from  the  near  side, 
the  halter  in  both  hands.  Let  the  colt  smell  it  until  it  no  longer  fears  it, 
when,  holding  it  properly  in  the  left  hand  the  right  hand  may  be  passed 
over  the  colt's  neck  and  taking  the  strap  of  the  halter  it  may  be  drawn 
on  and  buckled  almost  before  the  colt  knows  it.  In  case  the  colt  should 
be  wild,  shy,  or  vicious,  it  must  be  confined  in  some  place  where  the 
halter  may  be  put  on,  but  no  haste  must  be  manifested,  until  at  the 
moment  when  it  is  to  be  buckled.  Then  do  it  quietly  and  quickly.  If 
very  strong,  two  ends  of  rope,  each  ten  feet  long,  should  be  attached  to 
the  ring  of  the  halter,  and  a  free  passage  out  of  the  stable  allowed,  one 
man  holding  each  rope.  In  the  case  of  a  colt  three  or  more  years  old, 
and  strong,  these  ends  should  be  twenty  feet  long,  and  the  halter  should 
have  a  cavcsson  so  the  muzzle  will  be  pinched  during  violent  struggles. 
The  men  holding  the  ropes — there  may  be  one  or  more,  according  to  the 
struggles  of  the  animal — are  not  to  seek  to  throw  the  colt  or  horse,  but 
simply  to  restrain  him  in  his  struggles  to  escape.  The  A^ard  should  be 
soft  so  that  if  the  colt  falls  it  will  not  ))e  injured.  But  if  the  animal 
does  fall,  when  down  it  should  be  firmly  held  so  for  five  minutes,  or  until 
resistance  entirely  ceases.  As  a  rule,  before  the  expiration  of  fifteen 
minutes,  the  colt  will  take  a  lick  of  salt  from  the  hand  and  thereafter 
follow  quietly.     As  soon  as  the  colt  gives  up  he  should  be  led  to  the  stable, 


THE  HORSE,  HOW    TO  BREAK  AND  TRAIN.  113 

tied,  given  a  little  water  and  fed,  and  then  be  left  to  himself,  being 
certain  he  can  neither  break  the  halter  or  injure  himself.  As  before 
stated,  the  foal  once  haltered,  taught  to  stand  quietly,  and  to  lead  kindly 
it  may  then  be  given  its  liberty  until  of  the  proper  age  for  training.  The 
animal  three  years  old  and  over  once  in  hand  should  be  thoroughly 
broken  and  made  way  wise  without  delay. 

IV.    Training.  , 

The  regular  training  of  a  colt  or  filly  should  begin  at  the  age  of  two 
years  past.  There  are  many  urgent  reasons  for  this  ;  first,  the  animal  has 
neither  the  full  strength,  nor  the  disposition  to  resist,  that  it  will  have  at 
a  more  mature  age  ;  second,  it  is  more  tractable,  and  will  acquire  its  les- 
sons more  easily ;  third,  it  will  not  have  contracted  habits  of  self-will 
difficult  to  be  broken  off ;  and  fourth,  lessons  in  flexions  of  the  body  may 
be  taught  that  will  naturally  increase  its  usefulness  in  whatever  direction 
it  may  be  wanted. 

In  the  whole  manner  of  breaking  and  training  the  trainer  must  not  only 
understand  himself,  but  the  young  horse  as  well  and  also  as  of  special 
importance,  the  particular  use  for  which  the  animal  is  intended.  If  the 
colt  is  of  cold  blood,  that  is  of  no  particular  breeding,  it  will  not  pay  to 
spend  much  time  on  its  education.  It  is  simply  to  be  taught  to  lead  qui- 
etly, to  stand  still  to  be  harnessed  and  unharnessed,  to  be  accustomed  to 
the  ordinary  sights  and  objects  he  will  encounter,  to  work  quietly  at  the 
plow,  or  other  farm  implements,  and  to  the  w^agon  on  the  road,  and  to 
stand  quietly  when  tied  on  the  public  streets.  If  to  be  trained  as  a  road 
horse,  or  as  a  saddle  horse,  or  both,  or  as  a  hunting  horse,  a  trotting 
horse,  or  a  racer,  all  these  will  require  special,  and  sometimes,  long  con- 
tinued lessons  according  as  the  animal  is  intelligent  and  tractable  or 
otherwise.  It  should  always  be  remembered,  however,  that  there  is 
nothing  gained  by  cruelty  and  abuse.  A  contrary  animal  may  be  punished, 
but  it  should  always  be  done  calmly  and  with  judgment. 

V.    Training  to  Work. 

The  first  lesson  for  any  use  is  implicit  and  perfect  obedience  to  the  will 
of  the  master.  This  thoroughly  accomplished  the  rest  of  the  task  is  com- 
paratively easy,  it  is  only  a  question  of  time.  It  is  supposed  the  animal 
is  entirely  free  from  acquired  vice,  that  it  has  been  halter  broken,  and 
taught  to  stand  quietly  at  the  end  of  tbe  halter,  to  follow  quietly,  to  lead 
by  the  side  of  the  master,  and  to  stand  quietly  in  the  stable. 

The  next  step  is  to  procure  a  bitting  bridle,  a  strong  bridle  with  a  heavy 
•mooth  snaffle  bit  with  a  tongue  piece  and  keys  depending  from  the  center 


114  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 

of  the  ^it,  it  must  also  have  a  check  rein  that  may  be  lengthened  or 
shorte^-tjd,  and  two  side  straps  one  on  each  side.  The  harness  is  simply 
a  very  wide  strong  surcingle,  with  padded  back  piece,  having  at  the  top  a 
strap  i  /id  buckle  to  form  a  loop  for  the  check  rein  and  also  a  buckle  on 
each  Sude  of  the  surcingle  in  which  to  buckle  to  side  straps.  To  the  rear 
of  the  pad  of  the  circingle  is  attached  a  back  strap  and  round  crupper 
strap,  zhe  latter  to  buckle  and  unbuckle. 

Take  the  harness,  and  approaching  the  colt  in  the  stall,  let  him  smell 
"t  until  satisfied,  then  put  it  on  without  undue  haste  or  fuss.  If  the  colt 
ii..  nervous  or  skittish,  talk  to  him  and  take  time.  The  harness  on,  put 
on  the  bridle,  giving  plenty  of  length  to  the  check  rein  and  side  straps, 
so  the  colt  will  not  be  unduly  hampered,  and  let  it  out  in  a  smooth,  tight 
yard,  following  it  about  ^vith  thcAvhip  under  the  arm.  Sometimes  a  strong 
colt  will  struggle  and  sweat  violentljs  but  if  he  has  been  properly  handled 
heretofore,  he  will  take  the  subjection  pretty  much  as  a  matter  of  course. 
Let  him  exercise  an  hour  a  day  for  a  few  days,  tightening  the  check  rein 
and  side  straps  gradually,  until  his  head  is  brought  into  proper  position, 
but  not  a  constrained  position.  When  he  ceases  to  fret  at  the  harness, 
pass  the  snap  of  a  leading  rope  through  the  near  ring  of  the  bit  and  snap 
it  into  the  oif  one.  This  rope  should  be  about  fifteen  feet  long.  Taking 
the  end  in  the  hand,  exercise  the  colt  in  a  circle,  allo^ving  him  to  walk  if 
he  will.  When  somewhat  tired  let  him  stop  and  standing  in  front  of 
him,  say  come,  tapping  him  lightly  on  the  fore-legs  with  the  whip.  If  he 
pulls,  hold  him  firmly,  but  without  undue  violence  while  he  resists,  tap- 
ping him  on  the  fore-legs  at  intervals,  using  the  word  come.  He  will 
soon  find  the  way  to  escape  the  whip  to  be  to  get  near  to  you.  Then 
fondle  him  and  give  him  a  trifle  of  sugar  or  salt  and  let  him  follow  to  the 
stable.  So  proceed  from  day  to  day,  exercising  him  in  a  circle  both  to 
the  right  and  left,  (lunging  it  is  called),  gradually  increasing  his  pace  to 
a  fair  trot,  until  he  will  trork  as  you  want  him,  turning  at  the  word  to  the 
right  or  left  circle,  or  to  stand  and  come  to  his  master  at  the  word  of 
command. 

VX.   Learning  to  Back. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  difficult  thimgs  to  teach  a  colt  properly,  and 
one  most  commonly  slurred  over.  No  horse  is  properly  trained  for  the 
most  simple  use,  until  he  will  back  as  readily  and  as  perfectly  as  he  wiU 
go  forward.  It  should  be  taught  him  while  in  the  bitting  harness,  so 
that  at  the  command  to  back  he  will  do  so  to  the  extent  of  one  or  more 
steps.  This  is  done  first  by  stps  \ing  in  fuont  of  the  colt  and  taking  a 
Tcin  in  each  hand  ;  or  take  hold  ^  >.  \he  rings  of  the  bits  themselves.     At 


THE    HORSE,    HOW   TO    BREAK    AND    TRAIN.  Il5 

the  word  bach,  use  pressure  enough  to  curb  the  neck  somewhat,  but  not 
enough  to  force  the  body  in  such  a  position  as  to  cause  the  center  of 
gravity  of  the  animal  to  be  strongly  displaced.  In  backing,  a  hind  leg 
should  be  lifted  first,  then  a  fo7e  leg,  and  so  on  in  rotation,  the  reverse  as 
in  walking.  When  the  animal  will  back  promptly  and  in  line  for  ten  or 
fifteen  steps  consecutively,  the  fur-ther  lessons  may  be  safely  left  until 
the  time  when  the  rider  is  in  the  sttddle  or  in  the  vehicle  behind  the 
horses.  Sometimes  the  motion  may  bb  made  by  standing  at  the  side  of 
the  animal.  However  it  is  accomplished,  if  strong  resistance  is  made 
the  lesson  must  begin  again  and  again  until  it  is  entirely  comprehended 
and  well  executed.  When  so,  a  slice  of  sweet  apple,  carrot,  a  little 
sugar,  or  something  the  animal  likes  may  be  given  it. 

vn.     Training  to  Saddle  and  Harness. 

We  have  stated  that  the  colt  should  be  broken  at  two  years  old.  At 
this  age,  however,  it  should  never  be  put  to  hard  labor.  The  work  at 
two  years  old  should  be  more  in  the  nature  of  exercise  than  anything 
else,  and  this  exercise  should  be  to  insure  proper  flexions  of  the  body  and 
limbs  than  for  the  amount  of  work  the  animal  will  accomplish,  bearing 
in  mind  always,  as  before  stated,  what  the  animal  is  designed  for.  If  as 
a  saddle  horse  solely,  or  in  connection  with  light  driving,  it  is  absolutely 
essential  that  the  flexions  should  be  thorough.  The  word  flexion  is  but 
another  name  for  rendering  the  head,  neck,  body  and  limbs  perfectly 
supple.  The  animal  must  first  have  been  rendered  so  quiet  and  obedient 
that  he  will  not  strongly  resist  the  will  and  action  of  the  trainer. 

Put  a  bridle  with  a  curb-bit  on  the  colt,  being  careful  to  know  that  it 
tits  and  that  there  is  space  between  the  chain  and  jaw,  so  the  finger  can 
be  easily  slipped  between.  Standing  in  front  of  the  horse,  seize  the  right 
curb-rein  with  the  right  hand,  about  six  inches  from  the  branch  of  the 
bit,  and  the  left  rein  with  the  left  hand  at  about  half  the  distance  from 
the  branch.  Draw  the  right  hand  towards  the  body,  pushing  at  the 
same  time  with  the  left,  so  as  to  turn  the  bit  in  the  horse's  mouth.  If 
the  horse  backs,  continue  the  operation  until  he  yields.  When  the  horse 
flexes  his  jaw  and  lowers  his  head,  let  the  left  hand  slip  along  the  rein  to 
the  same  distance  as  the  right,  then  drawing  the  two  reins  equally  bring 
the  head  near  the  breast,  and  hold  it  there  oblique  and  perpendicular, 
until  it  is  sustained  of  itself.  The  horse  will  give  notice  by  champing 
the  bits. 

The  jaw  is  flexed  to  the  left  by  a  contrary  move  as  given  above.  So 
the  horse  may  be  made  to  hold  his  head  up,  and  perpendicular,  to  lower 
it,  so  the  trainer  can  make  the  horse  flex  his  neck  to  the  right  and  left. 


116  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

Standing  at  his  shoulder,  the  trainer  may  make  him  move  the  hind-legs 
to  one  side  or  the  other,  the  fore-leirs  remaining  stationary,  or  to  move 
the  fore  parts  in  a  circle  the  hind-legs  remaining  intact,  and  this  by  meana 
that  will  naturally  suggest  themselves. 

But  in  all  this  there  must  be  no  ill  temper  displayed  by  the  trainer  no 
matter  how  bad  the  horse  may  act.  Even  if  it  be  necessary  to  punish 
him  the  operator  must  be  perfectly  cool,  never  speaking  in  a  loud  voice 
or  doing  anj^hing  to  cause  undue  resistance  in  the  animal.  The  object 
is  to  teach  the  animal  subjection  to  the  will  of  man,  and  this  can  never 
be  done  by  intemperate  violence.  Our  practice  has  always  been  to  break 
at  two  years  old  so  the  animal  may  become  way-wise,  flexible  to  the  bit, 
to  draw  light  loads,  and  under  the  saddle  to  walk,  trot,  or  gallop,  at  com- 
mand. Then  at  the  age  of  three  to  four  years,  we  let  it  again  have  its 
liberty  The  reason  of  this  is,  at  this  age  the  colt  is  shedding  some  prin- 
cipal teeth,  and  therefore  not  fit  for  work.  If  the  lessons  have  been 
carefully  given  they  will  never  be  forgotten.  If  however  he  be  properly 
fed,  in  the  stable,  he  may  continue  to  do  light  work  through  his  third  and 
xourth  year.  In  no  case,  however,  should  he  be  put  to  heavy  draft  until 
he  is  five  years  past.  As  a  carriage  horse,  the  animal  should  not  have 
hard  work  until  he  is  the  same  age.  Then  he  will  get  better  and  better 
until  eight  years  old,  and  often  do  good  service  at  the  age  of  fifteen  to 
eighteen  and  sometimes  when  past  twenty  years  of  age.  There  are  more 
horses  ruined  between  the  ages  of  four  and  five  years  than  at  any  other 
age. 

vni.    To  Handle  a  Horse. 

As  we  have  stated,  the  foal  should  be  handled  as  early  as  possible,  and 
by  different  persons,  to  early  accustom  it  to  different  sights  and  sounds, 
but  always  gently.  It  should  be  carefully  brushed  so  as  not  to  irritate 
it ;  its  feet  should  be  lifted  and  lightly  tapped  with  a  hammer ;  a  head 
stall  should  be  put  on  the  foal  having  a  ring  but  no  strap,  but  so  the 
strap  may  be  attached  at  any  time  to  lead  and  exercise  it.  Thus,  the 
trainer  beside  it,  the  colt  may  be  taught  to  walk,  to  trot,  or  stand  still, 
allowing  it  to  do  pretty  much  as  it  likes,  within  bounds.  Never  beat  it 
under  any  circumstances  at  this  age.  Reward  it  with  a  trifle  of  sugar, 
or  a  little  bread,  or  a  slice  of  carrot,  and  fondle  it  when  it  has  done  well. 
Remember  the  future  horse  is  to  be  the  servant  of  man  for  ten  or  fifteen 
years  of  his  life,  and  that  it  will  pay  to  take  pains  ^vtth  the  education  of 
so  noble  an  animal,  if  well  bred.  In  this  day  and  generation  it  is  money 
thrown  away  to  breed  or  handle  any  other,  whatever  the  breed  may  be. 

When  the  foal  is  six  months  old  strap  a  pad  to  its  back  and  attach  stirrup 


THE   HORSE,    HOW    TO    BREAK    AND    TRAIN.  117 

leathers  so  they  may  flap  about.  In  the  Spring  following  its  birth  put  a 
colt's  bit  in  his  mouth,  with  keys  attached.  Rein  him  comfortably  to  the 
surcingle,  tn  which  a  crupper  must  be  attached.  In  this,  however, 
everything  must  be  easy  to  the  animal.  Don't  try  to  get  his  head  up.  He 
may  be  flexed  from  time  to  time,  that  is  taught  to  open  his  jaw  to  the 
left  and  right ;  to  turn  his  head  to  the  right  and  left  shoulder  ;  to  raise 
and  lower  his  head ;  to  turn  with  his  hind  or  his  fore-feet  in  a  circle, 
those  not  used  being  the  pivot ;  to  come  to  his  traiiier  at  the  word  ;  ta 
back,  to  guide  right  or  left  by  the  rein  ;  in  fact  at  the  age  of  two  years 
he  may  be  made  pretty  well  way  wise,  so  that  when  actually  ridden,  or 
hitched  beside  a  steady  horse,  there  -will  be  little  fear  or  resistance  to 
combat.  To  get  him  used  to  the  rattling  of  a  wagon,  tie  him  by  a  lead- 
ing strap  to  the  trace  buckle  of  the  back  band  to  the  off  and  also  to  the 
near  horse  in  the  team.  This  will  instruct  him  and  get  him  used  to  the 
word,  and  to  walking  and  trotting  quietly.  All  this  may  seem  like 
taking  a  great  deal  of  trouble,  but  remember  that  much  of  it  may  b« 
done  while  doing  the  ordinary  labor  of  the  farm. 

IX.    How  to  Handle  a  Vicious  Colt. 

Suppose  you  come  into  possession  of  a  wild  colt  at  three  or  foar  years 
old,  or  one  that  has  never  been  handled.  Put  him  in  a  close  place  like  a 
narrow  stall,  where  he  cannot  turn  round  or  by  any  means  escape.  Put 
on  a  cavesson  halter  (a  cavesson  is  a  nose-band)  and  It  may  end  under 
the  jaw  in  a  running  noose,  so  as  to  press  with  force  when  drawn  tight. 
Have  lunging  straps  attached  to  the  halter  ring  and  securely  fastened. 
Allow  the  young  horse  free  access  out  of  the  stable,  being  careful  not  to 
throw  him  down  before  he  gets  out.  Let  the  yard  be  rather  small,  but 
quite  tight,  and  with  none  near  except  his  trainer  and  assistant,  who  holds 
the  ropes.  Thus  with  a  strong  man  to  each  rope  acting  in  concert  tb<i 
wildest  colt  may  be  handled  without  danger.  Let  him  struggle  and  reai 
and  plunge,  the  ropes  being  well  spread  to  each  side.  If  he  rear,  ease. 
on  the  ropes  so  as  not  to  throw  him,  checking  him  as  he  comes  down 
again. 

Only  one  person  should  speak,  the  trainer,  using  only  the  necessary 
words  and  those  spoken  in  a  firm  but  rather  low  tone  of  voice. 

Have  a  good  and  reliable  whip,  a  long,  straight,  flexible  one,  but  not 
for  use  except  in  cases  of  an  emergency ;  as  in  case  the  horse  should 
get  his  liberty  by  slipping  the  halter  and  turn  to  fight.  Then  it  must 
be  used  determinedly,  but  without  exhibition  of  temper.  If  he  rushP!» 
on  you,  a  sharp,  strong  cut  across  the  muzzle,  avoiding  the  eyes,  to  ■  » 
followed  by  others,  as  necessary.  This  will  subdue  him.  If  he  kicks,  ;i 
determined  sharp  cut  over  the  hind  legs  next  the  body,  will  tame  him. 


118  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTTOK. 

A  self-possessed  man,  understanding  the  use  of  the  whip,  is  in  but  little 
danger  from  a  young  horse.  But  there  is  no  need  that  the  animal  es- 
cape.    The  straps  and  leading  ropes  must  be  secure. 

When  the  colt  gives  up,  let  the  assistant  hold  the  rope,  while  the 
trainer,  with  the  whip  under  his  arm,  the  butt  forward,  gently  and  grad- 
ually shortens  his  rope,  advancing  to  the  horse.  Take  plenty  of  time, 
speaking  firmly  but  soothingly  to  the  horse,  watching  for  any  indications 
of  vice.  If  the  ears  are  held  naturally  or  thrown  forward,  all  is  right. 
When  mischief  is  intended  they  will  l)e  thrown  back.  When  the  horse 
allows  you  to  approach  him  and  will  smell  the  whip  or  your  hand,  give 
him  a  trifle  of  salt  or  sugar,  rub  his  nose  gently,  and  induce  him  to  fol- 
low you.  Then  lead  him  into  the  stable  and  tie  him  in  the  stall  securely. 
From  this  time  on  he  should  have  a  daily  lesson  until  broken. 

One  thing  must  be  remembered ;  in  first  tying  up  in  the  stable,  the 
lialter  must  be  so  strong  that  the  animal  cannot  hy  any  possible  means 
break  it,  and  so  perfectly  fitting  and  secure  that  he  cannot  slip  or  rub  it 
off.     Thus  you  will  never  again  have  to  break  him  of  pulling  at  the  halter. 

X.    Saddling  and  Harnessing. 

The  trammg  of  the  horse  fairly  commenced,  it  should  proceed  day  by 
day.  Get  him  used  to  the  harness  and  saddle  by  putting  them  on  every 
day.  Do  not  throw  them  on.  Buckle  every  strap  as  carefully  as  though 
the  animal  was  to  be  taken  to  work.  The  saddle  being  allowed  to  be  put 
on  without  restiveness,  and  kindly  taken,  gradually  draw  the  girth  tighter 
from  day  to  day  until  sufficiently  tight  so  it  will  not  turn.  Begin  by 
bearing  some  weight  upon  it,  first  with  the  hand  and  then  by  pulling  on 
the  stirrup.  If  the  colt  cringes  at  first  and  leans  over  to  the  side  pulled 
upon,  it  will  soon  get  over  it,  and  will  at  length  allow  the  full  weight  of 
the  man  sitting  upright  upon  the  saddle  in  the  stall. 

Then  accustom  the  colt  to  being  touched  in  different  parts  of  the  body 
with  the  legs,  to  be  squeezed  somewhat  with  the  thighs  and  knees,  mount- 
ing and  dismounting  repeatedly.  This  being  permitted,  lead  him  out  of 
the  stable,  and  while  an  assistant  holds  him  by  the  bridle  above  the  bits 
—not  by  the  reins — the  trainer  mounts,  the  assistant  lets  go,  and  in  nine 
cases  out  of  ten  the  horse  will  move  off  at  the  word  of  command.  If  he 
doe?  not,  use  no  haste  ;  give  him  time.  If  he  rears  and  plunges,  the 
rider  must  have  full  command  and  confidence  in  himself,  or  else  quietly 
dismount  and  use  the  previous  course  until  the  animal  understands  what 
is  wanted.  If  the  rider  is  master  of  the  saddle,  and  the  horse  plunges  or 
throws  himself  about,  get  him  into  motion  in  a  field  of  not  less  than  ten 
acres,  and  if  rather  soft,  so  much  the  better  ;  circle  him  about  the  field 


THE   HORSE,    HOW    TO  BREAK   AND   TRAIN.  Ill 

until  he  wishes  to  stop,  and  then  force  him  forward  until  he  is  thoroughly 
tired  and  subdued.  Ride  him  to  the  stable,  gentle  him,  wash  his  mouth, 
let  him  take  two  or  three  swallows  of  water,  add  a  taste  of  some  food 
that  be  likes,  and  the  real  work  of  breaking  is  done.  Thereafter  it  'jl 
aimply  a  question  of  training. 

When  the  horse  is  to  be  put  to  the  wagon,  know  that  the  harnees  it 
strong,  and  that  it  fits  perfectly  and  easily.  If  the  colt  has  been  tied  be- 
side another  horse  on  the  road,  until  he  is  not  afraid  of  the  wagon,  so 
much  the  better.  Hitch  him  beside  an  old,  thoroughly  broken  horse, 
tying  the  doubletree  back  so  the  steady  horse  may  pull  all  the  load  if 
necessary.  Get  quickly  into  the  wagon  while  an  assistant  is  attracting 
the  attention  of  the  colt  by  talking  to  him  and  stroking  his  nose  ;  pick  up 
the  reins  and  bid  them  go.  Keep  the  broken  horse  in  a  walk  or  slow 
trot,  as  the  case  may  be,  and  the  colt  will  generally  take  kindly  to  the 
work  in  less  than  five  minutes.  Drive  for  about  half  an  hour,  at  a  walk- 
ing pace  if  possible,  letting  the  colt  have  his  own  way  if  not  too  awkward 
and  ugly,  turning  from  right  to  left  in  rather  long  curves.  When  the 
colt  shows  signs  of  fatigue,  and  certainly  before  he  is  tired,  but  not  until 
he  has  ceased  resistance,  drive  to  the  stable  and  unharness  carefully  Aiid 
quietly  as  before  described. 

XI.    How  to  Subdue  a  Vicious  Horse. 

If  he  be  a  colt  that  has  never  been  handled,  the  directions  we  haw 
given  for  bitting  and  training  will  succeed.  If  he  has  been  made  trickjr 
by  a  previous  owner,  who  was  timid,  go  into  the  stable  when  he  is  tied, 
watch  him  closely,  but  keep  cool  and  show  no  signs  of  fear.  Take  him 
by  the  head,  and  speak  to  him  in  a  firm  voice,  put  on  a  strong  bridle  and 
curb,  and  order  him  to  back.  If  he  does  not  comply,  give  him  a  sharp 
cut  on  the  fore-legs  with  the  whip,  and  hold  him  firmly  with  the  left  hand, 
standing  facing  partly  towards  his  rear,  but  with  the  head  turned  so  yoo 
can  see  every  movement  of  his  eyes  and  ears.  If  the  stall  is  not  roomy 
and  high  do  not  attempt  it.  The  struggle  is  better  in  a  small  close  yard« 
If  he  rear  cut  him  sharply  again  over  the  fore-legs  while  up,  and  if  h« 
kick  cut  him  on  the  hind-legs  near  the  body,  but  never  more  than  of  ^ 
stroke  at  a  time.  When  he  ceases  to  resist,  gentle  him,  and  so  proceed 
until  the  animal  is  entirely  submissive  to  your  will.  If  a  horse  has  ac- 
quired vicious  habits  from  having- beaten  a  timid,  or  worse,  brutal  master^ 
the  case  is  more  serious.  Have  nothing  to  do  with  him  unless  fully 
assured  of  your  powers  to  subdue  him. 

To  succeed  he  must  be  made  to  lie  down ;  to  do  this  confine  him  in  a 
■tall  so  close  that  h*»  cannot  turn  round  in  it,  and  with  the  near  side  90 


120  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

arranged  that  you  can  approach  him  sufficiently  near  to  operate  in  smy 
direction.  If  the  hor^e  will  submit  to  fondling  so  much  the  better. 
Under  no  circumstances  use  a  whip.  The  work  must  be  done  by  showing 
»He  horse  that  his  struggles  are  always  against  himself. 

Have  the  side  of  the  stall  so  arranged  that  it  may  be  taken  down  an(* 
allow  free  egress  to  a  yard  thirty  feet  square,  with  a  high  board  fence, 
or,  better  still,  a  large  square  barn  floor  covered  a  foot  deep  with  straw 
tramped  solid.  Procure  the  following  articles  :  a  simple  single-rein  bri- ' 
die,  strong,  and  kaving  a  gag  bit  with  large  rings  and  long  guards,  the 
reins  to  be  only  sufficiently  long  so  they  will  lie  on  the  withers  ;  have  also 
a  strong,  padded  surcingle,  made  with  a  two  inch  ring  at  the  belly ;  also, 
one  strap  an  inch  and  a  quarter  wide,  and  three  feet  or  more  in  length, 
with  a  strong  loop  to  form  a  slip  noose,  and  a  strong  buckle  on  the  end ; 
and  another  strap  five  feet  long  with  the  end  turned  into  a  loop  and  firn»ly 
sewed  ;  also  two  strong  knee  pads,  to  protect  the  knees  in  falling. 

Put  on  the  bridle,  buckle  on  the  knee  pads,  loop  the  short  strap  aroui>d 
tJbe  near  fetlock  of  the  fore-foot,  raise  the  foot  and  buckle  the  end  tightly 
around  the  arm  of  the  fore-leg  next  the  body,  thus  you  have  one  foot 
firmly  held  up.  Put  the  loop  of  the  second  or  long  strap  about  the  fet- 
lock of  the  off  fore-leg,  and  pass  the  end  of  the  strap  through  the  ring  of 
the  surcingle  under  the  horse.  Do  not  be  in  a  hurry,  and  in  no  case  lose 
your  temper.  If  it  takes  two  hours,  well  and  good,  you  have  the  horse 
then  perfectly  under  command  however  vicious  he  may  be. 

See  that  there  is  entirely  free  egress  out  of  the  stable  and  let  him  go. 
Approach  him  slowly,  but  without  hesitation,  steadying  him  by  the  voice. 
If  he  show  fight  do  not  hesitate,  he  is  on  three  legs  and  nearly  powerless, 
except  to  bite,  or  to  strike  you  in  the  act  of  rearing.  Seize  him  by  the 
near  bridle  rein  about  twelve  inches  from  the  bit,  and  placing  yourself 
immediately  at  his  near  quarter,  or  just  behind  his  shoulder,  gather  the 
long  strap  in  the  right  hand  and  when  the  horse  rears  draw  up  the  other 
leg. 

If  the  horse  struggles  let  him  do  so.  It  will  not  be  necessary  to  exert 
much  strength,  simply  tact  and  coolness  in  steering  him.  When  he 
oomes  down  it  must  necessarily  be  on  his  knees.  If  he  continue  tc 
struggle  let  him  exhaust  himself.  It  will  rarely  take  over  five  minutes, 
and  never  ten  by  the  watch.  Having  him  on  his  knees  always  seek  la 
draw  the  head  from  you  by  pulling  on  the  rein  that  comes  over  the  neck. 
Once  you  have  the  head  turned  keep  pulling  on  him  until  he  gives  up 
completely  and  lies  down.  Use  no  violence  on  the  rein.  It  is  only  to  be 
used  to  steer  or  guide  the  horse.  It  is  the  strap  that  does  the  work. 
However  many  attempts  he  may  make  to  regain  his  liberty  it  will  only 
•nd  in  the  more  complete  discomfiture  of  the  hors^o     Once  down  unlaM 


THE    HORSE,    HOW    TO    BREAK    AND  TRAIN.  121 

A  lies  still  hold  his  head  still  by  sitting  on  it.  When  completely  sub- 
dued, stroke  his  head,  rub  him  on  various  parts  of  the  body,  soothe  and 
caress  him,  and  especially  handle  him  wherever  he  is  disposed  to  b« 
touchy,  being  careful  always  to  be  on  your  guard,  that  if  he  resist  he 
may  be   immediately  checked. 

Show  him  a  buffalo  robe,  an  umbrella,  or  anything  he  would  be  likely 
to  frighten  at,  and  always  let  him  smell  it  until  satisfied.  Sit  on  his  side, 
handle  his  feet,  tap  them,  and  at  last  remove  the  straps  from  his  feet, 
and  continue  to  fondle  him.  If  he  attempt  to  rise  hold  down  his  head 
firmly,  and  bend  up  one  fore-leg.  If  he  get  the  advantage  do  not  struggle 
with  him  but  let  him  rise  to  his  feet  again.  Lay  him  down  until  he 
gives  completely  up.  He  will  soon  come  to  lie  down  quietly  at  the 
word,  simply  by  tving  up  one  foot,  and  at  last  will  do  so  at  your 
bidding  without  tying.  When  down  and  quiet  pass  your  hand  repeatedly 
over  his  body,  breathe  in  his  nostrils,  gently  open  his  mouth,  give 
him  soothing  words,  and  when  on  his  feet  give  him  a  taste  of  some- 
thing he  likes. 

This  is  substantially  Rarey's  plan,  and  it  may  be  practiced  successfully 
on  very  vicious  horses,  as  we  have  done.  As  a  rule,  however,  the  direc- 
tions previously  given  will  be  found  to  be  fully  effectual  in  bredking 
«olt 

XII.    How  to  Train  to  the  Saddle. 

No  person  should  attempt  to  break  a  horse  to  the  saddle  unless  he  be  a 
thorough  horseman  himself.  It  is  not  sufficient  that  he  be  able  to  stick 
on  a  horse's  back  with  or  without  a  saddle.  He  must  be  able  to  do  so, 
ftnd  without  aid  from  the  bridle,  when  the  horse  is  undergoing  any  of  the 
movements  likely  to  occur  when  on  his  feet.  The  bridle  is  used  simply 
to  steady  a  horse  under  certain  circumstances,  and  as  a  signal  to  guide 
him.  If  the  trainer  be  not  able  to  ride  thus,  and  with  ease  to  himself  aad 
the  horse,. he  has  no  business  as  a  trainer. 

Walking. — A  fast  walk  is  the  most  valuable  of  all  the  gaits  of  the 
horse.  To  walk  rapidly  is  the  first  and  most  persistent  of  the  lessons  to 
be  given.  To  teach  a  horse  to  walk  fast  the  head  must  be  kept  moder- 
ately well  up,  and  yet  but  little  real  weight  should  be  borne  on  the  bridle 
—only  just  enough  to  assist  the  swaying  motion  and  nodding  head  always 
exhibited  in  fast  walking.  During  the  acquirement  of  this  gait,  no  other 
should  be  aliowed,  and  when  the  horse  shows  signs  of  fatigue,  the  lesson 
should  end.  In  this,  the  seat  of  the  rider  is  important,  it  should  be  easy 
and  with  sufficient  grip  of  the  limbs  to  steady  the  rider,  and  with  play  of 
the  lowar  part  of  the  legs  to  keep  the  horse  well  up  to  his  work,  and  assist 


\22  \LLU8TRATED    STOCK    DOCTOK. 

in  increasing  the  gait.  Thus  by  care  and  practice  almost  any  horse  can 
be  gotten  up  to  four  miles  an  hour  and  a  really  active  cue  to  five. 

In  breaking  to  walk  fast  to  the  wagon,  there  should  be  just  sufficient 
bearing  on  the  reins  to  steady  the  horse.  The  check-rein  should  be  quite 
loose,  for  no  horse  can  walk  fast  and  easily  with  his  head  gagged  back  in 
an  viiiiatural  position.  The  horse,  however,  should  be  first  trained  to 
walk  fast  under  the  saddle,  and  by  the  means  we  have  indicated.  Then, 
when  harnessed,  he  will  not  forget  the  lessons  given,  and  may  even  be 
improved  in  his  walk,  if  not  already  brought  up  to  his  maximum  speed. 

A  naturally  slow  walking  horse  may  be  made  to  walk  much  faster ;  a 
fast  walking  horse  may  be  greatly  improved  in  his  gait,  but  a  lazy,  slow 
dolt  will  never  pay  for  any  education  beyond  that  of  honestly  pulling 
such  a  load  as  he  may  be  able  to  comfortably  move.  For  the  saddle  he 
is  a  nuisance,  and  no  attempts  whatever,  should  be  made  to  bring  him 
out  as  a  riding  horse.  If  a  good  one,  however,  bring  out  his  walking 
powers.  Like  the  trotter,  he  will  improve  until  he  is  eight  or  ten 
years  old. 

How  TO  Train  to  Trot. — ^Every  farmer's  boy  thinks  he  knows  how  to 
drive  a  trotting  horse  to  a  wagon.  Very  few  really  do.  iStill  fewer  un- 
derstand-how to  trot  a  horse  under  the  saddle.  If  properly  performed  it 
is  the  least  exhausting  to  the  horse  within  the  limit  of  his  natural  speed, 
and  need  not  be  unpleasant  to  the  rider.  That  it  is  among  the  best  and 
most  pleasant  exercise  the  horseman  can  take  is  without  doubt. 

Certain  drivers  have  denied  that  the  trot  and  the  pace  were  natural  to 
the  horse.  Every  person  who  has  been  among  the  wild  horses  of  the 
plains  knows  the  contrary.  It  is  a  fact,  however,  that  the  trot  is  but  a 
modification  of  the  walk.  There  are  two  styles  of  motion  for  the  rider  ; 
one  the  rising  motion,  by  which  the  rider  eases  himself  in  the  stirrups- 
Hot  ungraceful  when  properly  performed — the  other  where  the  rider 
keeps  a  close  seat,  supporting  himself  by  the  knees  and  stirrups.  The 
elbows  should  be  kept  rather  close  to  the  side,  and  with  only  just  enough 
bearing  on  the  curb  and  snaflle  to  keep  the  horse's  head  correct  and  the 
animal  under  perfect  command.  In  fact,  under  no  circumstances  is  the 
rein  and  bit  for  any  other  use  but  to  guide  and  steady  the  horse.  The 
rider  maintains  his  equilibrium,  keeps  his  seat,  and  renders  himself  en- 
tirely at  home  in  the  saddle,  through  the  science  of  equitation  and  the 
proper  pressure  of  the  limbs  against  the  saddle.  Until  this  is  thoroughly 
accomplished,  no  i)erson  has  any  business  trying  to  train  a  horse  to  sad- 
dle gaits.     The  rider  must  train  himself  first. 

In  the  trot,  when  the  rider  rises  in  the  stirrups,  the  snaffle-rein  only 
•hould  be  used,  a  rein  in  each  hand,  and  once  grasped  and  properly  ar- 
ranged, the  arms  must  be  held   rather  close  to  the  body,  but  without 


THE    HORSE,  HOW  TO  BREAK  AND  TRAIN.  IHZ 

clinging  tliereto.  The  feet  should  rest  in  the  stirrup  so  the  heel  is  well 
down,  the  leg  from  the  knee  down  fully  straight,  and  moving  but  little. 

The  rise  and  fall  of  the  body  must  be  as  slight  as  possible,  only  suf- 
ficient to  escape  thumping,  and  to  ease  the  horse.  The  head  of  the 
horse  should  be  kept  pretty  well  up,  the  limbs  of  the  horse  well  under 
control-.  The  rider  will  appear  to  supjiort  the  horse  with  the  bit.  lu 
fact,  he  does  not.     He  simply  holds  the  lioi.sc  to  his  pace. 

There  is  this  difference  between  road  i\aiiu  and  race  riding:  in  riding 
for  pleasure,  the  animal  is  never  severely  pu^^hed,  whatever  the  gait  may 
be.  In  riding  a  trotting  or  running  race,  the  animal  must  put  forth  ali 
his  powers,  the  only  object  being  that  he  extend  himself  as  much  as  pos- 
sible, and  without  reference  especially  to  the  style  of  going.  As  a  rule, 
race  riders  are  disqualified  for  riding  or  trotting  a  horse  gracefully  on 
the  road. 

In  trotting,  always  train  the  horse  to  slacken  his  pace  and  stop  if  de- 
sired, by  slacking  the  rein,  and  at  the  word.  In  square  trotting,  the 
hoofs  move  in  exact  time,  1,  2,  3,  4.  Some  horses  acquire  a  pace  denoted 
by  the  time  1,2.  With  this  motion  it  is  difficult  to  rise  easily  in  the  sad- 
dle, and  it  should  not  be  allowed.  To  ease  the  horse's  wind  let  him  walk 
or  canter  slowly  ;  or  better,  give  him  a  jog  trot.  The  jog  trot,  however, 
is  under  no  circumstances  to  be  allowed  when  traveling  on  the  road  in 
company.     After  a  hard  ride  at  any  gait,  it  eases  the  tired  horse  immensely, 

Xni.  Training  to  Trot  in  Harness- 
In  trotting  in  harness  the  horse  is  more  firmly  held  than  when  undej 
the  saddle,  and  for  obvious  reasons.  Yet  here  a  dead  strong  pall  is  to 
be  avoided.  The  horse  is  simply  to  be  supported  and  steadied  by  the 
bit.  The  driver  must  learn  by  his  own  study,  and  by  observing  others, 
how  to  do  this.  The  bit  must  be  adapted  to  the  horse.  A  boring,  hard 
mouthed  brute  could  not  be  driven  with  comfort  in  a  bit  that  would  suit 
a  sensitive  mouth.  Very  many  trotting  drivers  spoil  their  horses'  mouth* 
and  make  them  pullers.  The  pull  of  a  trotting  horse  should  never  be 
such  as  to  tire  the  well  trained  muscles  of  the  driver,  even  thousrh  it  be  a 
lady.  Indeed,  one  of  the  best  drivers  we  ever  knew  was  a  lady,  and  she 
was  superior  by  the  delicacy  and  yet  firmness  with  which  she  handled 
the  reins. 

In  training  to  trot  in  harness,  the  object  should  be  to  keep  the  horse 
squarely  to  his  work,  and  at  the  top  of  his  speed,  without  forcing  him 
beyond  it.  In  fact,  no  horse  comes  to  his  best  trotting  speed  until  he  is 
at  least  eight  years  old. 

Do  not  force  him  beyond  his  power,  and  above  all  do  not  rein  him  m 


1C4  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

hard  as  to  make  him  a  borer.  One  of  the  best  pair  of  road  trotters  w» 
ever  broke,  were  trained  with  curb  bits,  and  when  under  smooth  motion 
were  apparently  driven  with  a  loose  rein ;  such,  however,  was  only  ap- 
parent ;  they  had  been  given  such  delicate  mouths  by  careful  driving 
that  the  least  indication  kept  them  in  proper  form.  Below  we  give  two 
illustrations  :  one  showing  a  horse  unduly  checked  and  gagged  back,  the 
other  with  the  head  in  an  easy-going  position.  The  use  of  the  bearing 
rein  is  sinipl}'^  to  keep  the  horse  from  getting  his  head  too  low,  not  to 
draw  it  back  in  an  unnatural  position.  Under  the  saddle  this  is  precisely 
the  use  of  the  curb. 


Borse's  head  wna  bearing-rein.  horse's  head  without  bearing-reiit. 

The  Pacing  Gait. — This  is  a  gait  natural  to  many  horses,  and  exceed- 
ingly difficult  to  teach  a  horse  that  it  is  not  natural  to.  On  the  other 
hand  it  is  not  difficult  to  make  a  trotter  of  a  pacer.  In  pacing,  a  horse 
lifts  both  feet  on  a  side  simultaneously,  and  on  perfectly  smooth  ground 
it  may  be  made  an  exceedingly  fast  gait.  It  is  easy  to  the  rider  but 
Ungraceful  in  the  extreme,  from  the  fact  that,  as  in  sculling  a  boat,  the 
body  is  swayed  from  side  to  side.  If  the  horse  has  the  pace  naturally 
he  should  be  trained  to  increase  the  pace  by  precisely  the  same  general 
rules  for  increasing  the  trotting  pace  ;  by  keeping  him  well  in  hand  and 
inducing  him  by  every  possible  means  to  increase  his  stride. 

The  rack,  amble,  and  single  foot,  as  it  is  sometimes  called,  are  all  but 
modifications  of  the  pacing  stride  and  the  gallop,  just  as  the  jog-trot  and 
the  walk  are  modifications  of  the  trot. 

The  amble  is  a  slow,  smooth  gallop,  or  rather  canter,  and  must  be 
taught  to  the  horse  under  the  curb. 

The  rack  is  a  modification  of  the  pace,  the  feet  instead  of  being  lifted 
up  simultaneously  side  by  side,  represented  by  the  figures  1-2,  may  be 
represented  by  the  figures  1-2,  3-4,  that  is,  the  feet  are  not  lifted  regularly 
as  in  the  walk. 

Single  foot  is  a  trained  rack.  It  requires  patience  and  time  to  teach, 
«tcept  in  a  horse  having  a  natural  adaptation  thereto.     Once  the  animal 


THE    HORSE,    HOW    TO    BREAK    AND    TRAIN.  125 

catches  the  idea  be  sure  to  let  him  know  that  you  appreciate  it,  and  wish 
him  to  preserve  it. 

It  is  difficult  to  give  written  instrucitons,  for  rules  which  would  accom- 
plish the  matter  with  one  horse  and  rider,  with  another  would  totally 
fail.  There  is  only  this  fixed  rule :  The  horse  must  be  in  complete 
subjection  to  the  will  of  the  rider  before  anything  but  the  natural  gait 
is  attempted.  All  these  gaits,  and  the  canter  as  well,  are  taught  by  using 
patience,  keeping  the  feet  of  the  animal  well  under  him,  and  keeping  him 
sufficiently  well  curbed  so  he  cannot  extend  his  stride  until  he  fully 
understands  what  you  want  of  him. 

Changing  the  Leading  Foot. — In  developing  any  gait  the  horse 
should  be  made  to  start  with  either  foot  as  desired.  It  should  be  one  of 
the  first  lessons,  taught.  To  do  this  turn  the  horse's  head  somewhat  by 
pulling  the  rein  and  pressing  the  heel  slightly  on  the  side  opposite  to  the 
leg  which  it  is  desired  to  move.  This  will  turn  his  head  and  croup 
slightly  out  of  the  proper  line  of  progression,  something  that  the  horse 
naturally  does  when  he  starts.  To  change  the  leading  leg,  if,  for  instance, 
he  is  leading  with  the  off  fore-leg,  rouse  the  horse,  turn  his  head  to  the 
right,  while  the  left  heel  reminds  him  to  throw  his  croup  out  of  line, 
upon  which,  by  a  peculiar  motion  the  change  is  effected. 

GrALLOPiNG. — The  gallop  is  often  stated  to  be  the  fastest  gait  (vf  the 
horse.  This  is  however  not  strictly  true.  When  a  horse  is  going  at  the 
top  of  his  speed  under  whip  and  spur,  the  whole  animal  is  extended  to 
the  utmost,  the  head  and  tail  straight  out,  and  the  animal  going  close  to 
the  ground.  The  slower  he  goes  the  more  upright  he  holds  himself,  un- 
til when  in  the  fashionable  canter — the  most  distressing  gait  for  the 
horse — he  is  almost  on  his  haunches.  All  that  is  necessary  to  get  the 
horse  into  the  gait  is  to  rouse  him,  give  him  a  check  for  the  leading  foot, 
and  restrain  the  gallop  to  the  requirements  of  the  case. 

The  hand  gallop  is  an  easy  going  pace,  both  for  the  horse  and  the 
rider,  and  may  be  said  to  be  half  speed.  The  gallop  proper  is  such  a 
gait  as  will  exhaust  the  horse  in  going  ten  or  twelve  .miles.  Running  19 
that  gait  which  cannot  be  continued  longer  than  from  one  to  three  miles 
without  seriously  distressing  the  horse.  Being  one  of  the  natural  gart« 
of  the  horse  it  is  only  necessary  to  rouse  the  lazy  horse  to  the  prop^ 
Bpeed,  or  to  check  the  ambitious  one  to  the  pace  desired. 

XTV.    How  to  Train  to  Trot  in  Light  Harness. 

Trotting  in  light  harness  is  generally  considered  to  mean,  being  hitched 
to  a  light  vehicle,  either  single  or  double  and  being  driven  for  pleasure. 
Used  in  this  manner  horses  may  be  driven  either  with  the  curb,  tha 


126  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK   DOCTOK. 

cnafflc,  or  other  trotting  bit  according  to  the  delicacy  of  the  hand  of  the 
driver,  or  mouth  of  the  horse.  We  prefer,  after  they  are  way  wise  and 
used  to  the  curb,  to  drive  them  thus,  until  they  have  acquired  the  proper 
carriage,  and  this  entirely  without  the  bearing  rein.  The  object  accom- 
plished in  this  is,  the  horse  becomes  entirely  subservient  to  the  driver  but 
at  the  same  time  learns  to  rely  on  himself  so  far  as  sure-footedness  is 
concerned.  When  he  will  go  in  proper  form  he  may  be  driven  with  a 
trotting  bit,  until  he  has  learned  to  extend  himself  fully,  when  he  may 
again  be  placed  in  the  curb,  and  if  delicately  handled  w^ill  give  satisfaction 
any  where  on  the  road.  Thus  trained  under  the  curb,  when  used  with  a 
trotting  bit,  they  may  be  made  to  exhibit  all  the  style  they  are  capable  of 
at  an  ordinary  gait,  and  niay  be  shaken  up  instantly  for  a  brush  and  ex- 
tend themselves  to  the  utmost. 

In  trotting  at  any  speed  the  horse  must  be  trained  to  take  hold  of  the 
bit,  so  he  may  be  steadied  by  the  rein.  He  must  never  be  allowed  to 
suppose  that  this  hold  of  the  bit  is  for  the  purpose  of  pulling  on.  It  is 
to  be  used  simply  to  steady  himself,  and  as  a  means  of  quick  comprehen- 
sion of  the  driver's  wishes. 

XV.    How  to  Train  for  the  Plow. 

In  training  a  team  for  plowing,  they  must  be  made  to  walk  at  such  a 
pace  as  will  lay  the  best  furrow,  to  walk  evenly  and  straight  ahead,  with- 
out pulling  apart  or  crowding  each  other,  to  obey  the  slightest  check  of 
the  driver  in  laying  out  lands,  and  at  the  end  of  the  furrow  to  come  im- 
mediately and  quickly  about.  To  this  end  the  reins  should  be  carefully 
adjusted,  the  whiffle  trees  should  be  as  light  as  will  suffice  to  do  the 
work,  and  the  team  must  never  be  over  driven.  In  stony  or  grubby  land 
they  must  be  kept  so  completely  under  control,  as  never  to  spring  for- 
ward when  the  plow  strikes  an  obstruction. 

In  turning  quartering  about  at  the  end,  on  square  lands,  in  plowing 
right  handed  furrows,  the  near  horse  should  back  slightly,  that  the  off 
horse  may  not  step  on  his  feet,  and  the  traces  should  be  kept  slack 
enough  so  the  plowman  may  easily  enter  the  point  of  the  plow  in  the 
next  furrow. 

In  back  furrowing,  the  section  of  the  circle  described  must  be  that 
which  will  bring  the  plow,  with  the  aid  of  the  plowman,  most  easily  to 
the  next  furrow,  the  off  horse  in  this  case,  keeping  slightly  behind. 

In  plowing  there  is  nothing  gained  by  hurrying  a  team,  and  then 
ftopping  to  rest.  Plowing  is  hard  work  because  it  is  a  constant  strain  on 
^^rticular  sets  of  muscles.     The  team,  however,  may  be  very  much  eased 


THE    HORSE,    HOW   TO    BREAK   AND   TRAIN.  127 

by  the  tact  of  the  plowman  in  holding  his  team  up  in  plowing  through 
hard  or  tough  places,  by  knowing  that  the  harness  fits  perfectly,  and  by 
always  having  his  plow  clean  and  in  a  condition  to  scour. 

In  laying  out  land  the  team  should  be  rather  wider  apart  than  when 
plowing  furrow  after  furrow,  or  so  the  plowman  may  see  the  line  stakes 
between  the  horses.  In  laying  out  lands  always  have  the  reins  of  such 
length  that  they  may  be  carried  over  the  left  hand  plow  handle.  Thus 
by  taking  the  right  hand  rein  a  little  beyond  the  center  the  hand  may 
easily  grasp  the  handle.  A  pull  directly  back  will  carry  the  horses  ge& 
and  carrying  the  hand  forward  will  tighten  the  near  rein  and  carry  the 
horses  haw^  while  a  steady  bearing  will  keep  the  team  in  a  direct  line 
ahead. 

The  only  position  for  the  reins  if  carried  otherwise  than  on  the  handle 
is  to  carry  them  just  above  the  hips,  and  of  such  a  length  that  when  the 
team  is  going  at  ease  they  will  be  loose,  and  yet  may  be  easily  tightened 
by  the  plowman  walking  a  little  farther  in  the  rear  than  usual.  With  a 
hard-mouthed  team  "feeling  their  oats"  this  will  do.  By  the  means  we 
have  indicated,  if  the  lines  are  nicely  adjusted,  the  team  may  be  made  to 
pulJ  on  the  plow,  and  once  used  to  this  way  of  driving  we  have  never 
known  of  its  being  abandoned,  except  for  a  time  as  a  change.  The 
practice  of  carrying  a  rein  in  each  hand  adopted  by  some  good  plowmen 
is  not  to  be  commended,  except  with  a  kind  team.  In  this  case  to  carry 
them  over  the  left  handle  is  easier,  whether  the  team  be  wild  or  gentle. 
In  any  case  the  reins  should  never  be  carried  over  the  neck  It  is 
awkward,  and  the  team  is  never  under  control.  Carried  over  one  shouU 
der  and  under  one  arm  is  an  improvement  upon  this  awkward  plan, 

XVI.    Training  to  the  Wagon. 

But  little  need  be  said  on  this  score  if  attention  has  been  paid  to  >fhav 
has  been  said  previously.  Upon  good  roads  and  with  an  ordinary  load 
the  team  should  be  kept  up  to  their  maximum  gait  in  walking.  When 
the  road  is  good  in  some  places  and  bad  in  others,  as  country  roads 
usually  are,  the  load  must  be  such  as  the  team  can  move  by  hard  pulling 
in  the  worst  places.  After  a  heavy  pull  always  give  the  team  a  breathing 
spell,  and  in  the  middle  of  a  pull  if  the  team  can  start  the  load  once 
stopped-  This  any  honest  team  will  do  unless  the  bottom  is  miry,  that 
is,  unless  from  standing  the  team  and  wheels  sink  deeper  and  deeper. 
In  this  case,  the  only  way  is  to  keep  going  until  firm  ground  is  reached. 
The  average  driver  is  sure  to  hurry  his  team  in  the  mud.  They  should 
be  taught  to  pull  steadily  and  slowly,  and  when  started  again,  after  rest* 


128  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

ing,  to  take  hold  of  the  load  steadily  and  with  a  growing  impulse  until 
it  moves. 

XVn.    How  to  Train  a  Racer. 

The  training  of  racing  stock,  whether  for  running  or  trotting,  is  a  fine 
art,  and  one  which  it  would  take  a  volume  to  properly  describe  in  print. 
There  a.re  certain  essentials,  however,  which  are  easily  understood,  and 
which  every  one  who  breeds  stock  for  speed  should  know.  The  colt 
having  been  taught  to  gallop  easily  and  naturally,  should  be  put  upon 
good  sound  oats  and  the  cleanest  hay.  He  should  be  carefully  blanketed 
and  groomed  and  his  legs  hand  rubbed  until  fine.  The  exercise  should 
be  daily,  upon  a  good  course,  and  ridden  under  the  direction  of  a  horse- 
man who  is  thoroughly  up  in  his  business.  When  this  cannot  be,  tha 
work  must  be  done  under  the  instruction  of  the  master. 

In  race  riding,  the  jockey  throws  about  all  his  weight  in  the  stirrups, 
steadying  himself  with  the  knees  and  thighs.  The  seat  of  the  body  is 
carried  well  back,  the  loin  slightly  arched,  so  the  weight  will  not;  be 
brousfht  too  far  forward,  as  the  breech  would  be  if  the  rider  should  stand 
straight  in  the  stirrups.  A  jockey  of  ordinary  weight  will  be  found  to 
carry  his  leg,  from  the  knee,  slightly  thrown  back  ;  thus  by  stiffening  his 
knee  he  can  change  his  center  of  gravity  without  ceasing  to  stand  in  the 
stirrups. 

Very  light  jockeys  ride  with  longer  stirrups,  throwing  their  weight 
principally  on  their  thighs,  and  with  their  breech  raised  entirely  from  the 
saddle,  thus  giving  them  a  strong  hold  on  the  horse.  Standing  in  the 
stirrup,  however,  cannot  be  long  endured,  and  is  only  used  for  fast  racing 
or  galloping  over  bad  ground,  rough  or  deep,  or  in  the  case  of  a  hill  that 
must  be  passed  quickly  over. 

Training  to  racing  speed  on  the  farm  may  be  summed  up  as  follows : 
a  smooth  track,  regular  feeding  four  times  a  day  with  the  soundest  of 
oats  and  hay,  with  a  bran  mash  often  enough  to  keep  the  bowels  in  regu- 
lar condition  ;  the  most  careful  grooming,  with  plenty  of  hand  rubbing  of 
the  legs  ;  sweating  exercise  every  day,  and  thorough  cleaning  afterwards  ; 
a  trial  gallop  to  extend  the  limbs,  with  an  occasional  spurt  to  note  the  in- 
crease of  speed,  and  occasionally  a  fair  trial  at  the  distance  which  the 
horse  is  trained,  to  test  his  speed,  powers  of  endurance,  improvement, 
•nd  capabilities. 

XVili.    Training  a  Stallion. 

The  training  of  a  stallion  should  commence  from  the  time  that  it  is  in- 
Unded  to  keep  him  as  such,  and  certainly  from  the  age  of  one  year. 


THE    HORSE,    HOW   TO    BREAK   AND    TRAIlf.  12S 

when  colts  are  usually  gelded.  He  should  be  exercised  in  a  close  yard, 
first  at  the  end  of  the  halter,  and  at  length  without  bridle  or  halter  rein, 
and  made  to  advance,  to  back,  to  circle,  to  describe  a  figure  eight,  to  rear 
and  come  down  at  the  word  of  command,  to  kneel,  to  sit  on  his  haunches, 
to  lie  down,  and  especially  to  come  instantly  to  Ms  keeper  at  the  word 
of  command. 

All  this  takes  time,  but  is  labor  well  spent,  for  henceforth  his  usefulness 
as  a  sire,  and  escapes  from  accidents  by  being  kicked,  may  depend  upon 
his  thorough  training.  Any  observing  person  will  have  noted  that  in 
fully  half  the  cases  a  stallion  will  be  found  dragging  his  keeper  about 
like  a  puppet.  All  this  may  be  avoided  by  proper  care  and  training,  8o 
the  horse  will  retain  his  full  exhuberance  of  spirit,  and  yet  be  entirely 
under  control. 

His  care  and  keeping  should  be  of  the  best  possible,  and  his  daily  exer- 
cise enough  to  keep  his  muscles  firm,  certainly  not  less  than  eight  mile* 
a  day  during  the  season  of  service.  However  well  trained  the  stallion, 
when  it  comes  to  actual  service,  there  is  always  a  time  when  he  may 
refuse  to  obey.  Then  he  must  be  made  to  do  so  at  whatever  cost,  and  U> 
accomplish  the  object,  the  whip  must  be  used  to  any  extent  suflicient  to 
conquer  him.  Cut  sharp  and  strong,  but  with  temperate  judgment.  Do 
not  rain  a  succession  of  blows.  This  will  only  make  him  fight.  A  few 
well-directed  blows  will  generally  suflice,  if  they  are  sharp  and  cutting. 
Do  not  be  afraid  oi  drawing  blood.  If  it  can  be  done  at  the  first  stroke, 
so  much  the  better.  Give  him  time  to  think  before  you  strike  the  second 
time.  Give  him  the  order  you  wish  him  to  execute.  If  there  is  the 
least  hesitation,  strike  again,  and  so  on  until  he  is  conquered.  If  he  has 
been  properly  trained  previously,  he  will  handle  nearly  as  easy  as  a  geld- 
ing. If  not,  he  may  become  a  brute,  dangerous  for  any  man  to  handle. 
Above  all,  a  stallion  once  trained,  never  intrust  him  to  an  incompetent 
keeper,  and  never  allow  a  valuable  one  to  be  ridden  during  the  season  of 
hard  service.  If  he  travels  from  one  station  to  another,  or  is  otherwise 
exercised,  it  should  be  with  a  leading  rein,  the  rider  being  on  anoth^ 
horse. 


CHAPTER  Vn 


HOW  TO  SHELTEB. 


>lirORTABLE  SHELTER  ECONOMICAL. 11.     CONSIDERATION  IN  C0N8TRTTCTIN0  STABUHb 

'  in.  MANGERS  AND  RACKS. IV.  HOW  TO  INSURE  A  GOOD  TEMFERATUKK. V.   CLKAM* 

INO  THE  STABLES. VI.  THE  LOFT.  ——  VII.  THE    HARNESS  ROOM.  —  VHI.  THB  OOT 

«HXD. IX.  WATER. 


I.    Comfortable  Shelter  Economical. 

Although  the  horse  is  found  wherever  civilized  man  has  made  his  home, 
aivd  has  been  subjected  by  barbarian  tribes  wherever  subsistence  may  be 
found  Summer  and  Winter,  yet  in  a  wild  state  he  is  only  found  where  the 
Winter  and  the  Summer  climate  is  mild  enough  to  furnish  herbage  the 
year  round.  While  it  is  true  that  the  horse  will  stand  weather  as  inclem- 
ent as  cattle,  yet  the  owner  who  subjects  either  horses  or  cattle  to  the 
storms  of  Winter,  not  only  makes  no  money  from  them,  but  deserves  to 
lose  them  entirely.  Thus  the  humane  man  always  consults  his  best 
iuterests  when  he  keeps  his  horse  stock  not  only  well  fed  but  comfortably 
k^used. 

n.    Considerations  in  Constructing  Stables. 

The  first  consideration  in  the  construction  of  a  stable  is  the  number  of 
horses  to  be  kept.     After  this  comes  in  economy  of  space  in  connection 
with  convenience,  ventilation  in  connection  with  the  health  of  the  horses, 
130 


THE  HORSE,  HOW   TO  SHELTER.  131 

4tfid  lastly  the  cost.  In  the  construction  of  stables  the  question  of 
warmth,  convenience  and  ventilation  are  the  prime  integers,  and  whatever 
the  character  of  the  structure  it  must  combine  these  three  essentials,  else 
it  is  a  failure. 

In  the  construction  of  stables  the  horse  and  carriage  floor,  including 
harness  and  tool  room,  and  the  loft,  in  which  should  be  situated  the  bins 
for  oats,  shelled  corn,  corn  in  the  ear,  meal  and  bran,  with  suitable 
spouts  and  slides  for  delivering  the  feed  on  the  lower  floor,  are  all  that  is 
necessary.  Every  stable,  however,  should  be  supplied  with  a  ventilating 
pipe  placed  about  midway  over  one  of  the  centre  stalls.  If  there  ar« 
more  than  four  horses  kept  there  should  be  two,  and  one  in  addition  for 
each  other  four,  but  all  connecting  with  the  principal  air  shaft  at  the  peak 
of  the  roof. 

Where  the  horses  are  near  the  ground,  and  especially  if  the  first  story, 
or  the  walls  of  the  whole  building  be  of  brick,  there  should  be  at  least 
two  courses  above  the  ground  laid  in  water-lime,  to  prevent  the  dampness 
from  the  gi'ound  ascending  up  the  walls  by  capillary  attraction.  How- 
ever the  foundation  be  laid  there  must  be  perfect  drainage,  either  natural 
or  artifical.  under  the  stable.  Many  valuable  horses  have  been  lost 
through  iiiactention  to  this  simple  matter. 

The  size  of  the  stable  must  of  course  correspond  to  the  number  of 
horses  to  be  kept,  and  the  number  of  vehicles  to  be  sheltered.  The 
width  of  the  stalls  should  not  be  less  than  five  feet  each — six  is  better — 
and  there  should  be  at  least  one  loose  box  in  every  stable,  however  small. 
If  there  are  a  number  of  breeding  mares  there  should  be  one  loose  box 
to  each  four  horses.  These  boxes  should  not  be  less  than  ten  by  twelve 
feet.  Fourteen  feet  in  depth  for  the  stall  is  little  enough.  The  travis 
or  partition  between  stalls  should  not  be  less  than  six  feet  six  inches  long. 
If  the  stable  is  fourteen  feet  deep  seven  feet  is  better.  It  should  b« 
seven  feet  high  at  the  head  and  five  feet  at  the  rear  part. 

m.    Mangers  and  Backs. 

The  mangers  and  racks  should  be  of  the  most  substantial  character, 
and,  if  expense  is  no  object,  of  enameled  iron,  as  to  the  mangers,  and  of 
iron  as  to  the  racks.  If  made  of  wood,  oak  or  elm  is  a  good  materiaL 
However  made  there  should  be  no  rough  edges  to  annoy  the  horses,  nor 
splinters  to  wound.  The  top  of  the  cap  should  not  be  less  than  three 
feet  three  inches  from  the  floor,  nor  more  than  three  feet  six  inches. 
The  manger  to  be  about  thirteen  inches  wide  at  the  top,  nine  inches  at 
the  bottoir  and  eleven  inches  deep.  The  caps  may  be  four  inches  deep 
tnd  three  inches  wide,  securely  placed.     The  sides  and  bottom  of  tim 


132  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 

manger  may  be  of  inch  oak,  or  other  hard  wood.     If  made  of  pine  thty 
should  be  of   inch  and  a  half  thickness, 

IV.    How  to  Insure  a  Good  Temperature. 

If  the  stable  be  of  brick  or  stone,  it  may  or  may  not  be  lined  with  wood 
with  an  air  space  between.  If  of  wood,  there  should  always  be  a  lining, 
and  the  sheathing  upon  which  the  weather  boarding  is  nailed  should  be 
covered  with  tarred  paper.  Ventilation  must  be  attended  to  ;  this  is  best 
secured  by  orifices  at  proper  distances  next  the  ceiling,  that  may  be 
opened  or  closed  at  pleasure,  and  provided  with  lattice  work  to  throw  the 
air  up  when  opened.  This  with  the  doors  and  windows  in  Summer  ^vill 
give  plenty  of  ventilation  and  in  Winter  the  ventilators  alone  will  suflSce. 
It  is  one  of  the  most  essential  points  in  building  a  stable  in  our  American 
climate,  with  torrid  Summers  and  Arctic  Winters,  that  no  expense  be 
spared  to  make  the  buildings  comfortable.  We  are  decidedly  in  favor  of 
a  vestibule,  large  enough  to  hold  a  harnessed  team,  or  if  preferred,  if  the 
carriage  room  be  large  enough  and  separated  by  a  close  partition  from  the 
stable,  as  it  should  be,  this  may  be  made  to  do.  From  this  the  entrance 
to  the  stable  may  be  a  sliding  door,  through  which  to  lead  the  horses  ;  the 
object  being  to  prevent  the  rush  of  cold  air  into  the  stable  chilling  every 
horse  in  it. 

Whore  more  than  five  horses  are  kept  in  a  stable  we  advise  a  close  par. 
tition  between  each  four  stalls  and  their  accompanying  loose  box.  The 
reason  is,  that  in  each  compartment  an  equal  temperature  is  retained.  It 
is  not  so  much  the  degree  of  cold  that  affects  horses,  as  sudden  changes 
of  temperature.  Thus  each  may  have  its  separate  ventilation  and  air 
shaft,  and  conduce  very  much  to  the  comfort  of  the  animals  kept  therein. 

V.    Cleaning  the  Stable. 

Cleanliness  in  the  stable  is  of  the  utmost  importance.  There  should  b» 
sufficient  bedding  under  the  horses  at  all  times  to  insure  cleanliness  ;  all 
damp  portions  together  with  the  droppings  should  be  removed  twice  a 
day.  We  have  never  found  a  better  nor  more  economical  way  than  to 
use  a  wheel  barrow,  with  sides  sufficiently  wide  and  flaring  to  hold  the 
load  a  man  may  handle,  in  which  the  manure  and  damp  bedding  could  be 
thrown  and  wheeled  on  planks  immediately  to  the  pile.  Where  it  ia 
thrown  out  of  windows  it  often  heats  so  as  to  be  offensive  in  Summer, 
«nd  in  Winter  these  windows,  besides  often  allowing  the  wind  and  storm 
to  beat  in,  are  objectionable  in  many  ways. 


THE    HORSE,    HOW    TO    SHELTEK.  133 

VI.   The  Loft. 

We  have  already  advised  that  the  granary  be  in  the  loft,  the  shoots, 
however,  should  not  enter  the  stable ;  first,  because  they  create  more  or 
lesB  dust,  and  second,  they  are  liable  to  contract  more  or  less  effluvia 
from  the  stable.  They  should  communicate  with  a  room  by  itself,  suf- 
ficiently large  for  sifting  oats  and  mixing  feed.  The  granary  must  also 
be  made  rat  proof,  which  is  best  done  by  covering  the  bottom  and  two 
feet  of  the  sides,  and  the  top  with  sheet  iron.  The  floor  of  the  whole 
loft  should  also  be  covered  with  a  tight  floor  of  planks,  plowed  and 
grooved,  so  that  by  no  possibility  dust  or  trash  can  drop  through ;  the 
loft  should  also  be  high  enough  to  hold  straw  for  bedding,  and  hay 
enough  for  at  least  two  months'  feed.  In  fact,  if  it  be  a  farm  barn,  it 
were  better  to  hold  enough,  if  possible,  for  the  Winter.  This  might  de- 
tract somewhat  from  the  architectural  appearance  of  the  building,  unless 
the  storage  and  stable  room  be  large  below.  In  any  event  we  should  not 
build  any  stable,  however  small,  less  than  eight  feet  high,  with  a  loft 
above  of  the  same  height,  and  in  the  case  of  a  large  building  we  should 
extend  the  loft  to  ten,  twelve  or  fourteen  feet  as  the  size  of  the  ground 
floor  might  allow. 

Vn.   The  Harness  Boom. 

The  harness  room  should  be  as  complete  as  possible  with  suitable  pegs 
for  harness  and  seats  or  frames  for  saddles.  It  should  also  be  provided 
with  a  saddler's  horse  for  sewing  .raps,  awls,  needles,  wax,  thread,  etc. ; 
also  a  table  for  oiling  harness,  and  if  it  have  a  boiler  set  in  a  stove  foi 
heating  water,  it  will  often  be  called  in  requisition  in  Winter,  not  only 
for  its  hot  water  facilities,  but  for  drying  harness  and  saddles  as  weU 

Vm.    The  Out  Shed. 

If  the  stable  is  provided  with  an  out-shed  for  cleaning  horses  when  th* 
weather  is  not  inclement,  it  will  be  found  to  save  much  dust  and  dirt  in- 
side. If  this  shed  be  a  vestibule  to  the  stable,  with  sliding  windows,  so 
much  the  better.  It  may  even  be  used,  in  case  of  need,  for  temporary 
•tables  or  for  baiting  a  double  team  when  it  is  not  considered  necessary 
to  unharness.  In  fact  there  are  many  uses  to  which  it  may  be  put  aside 
from  the  protection  it  would  give  the  stable,  in  opening  the  doors  in  oold 
and  inclement  weather. 

IX.  The  Surroundings. 
Every  stable  should  have  a  smooth,  close  yard,  with  a  tight  high  fenot 


134  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

•urrounding  it,  and  if  one  side  can  be  covered  with  a  shed  roof,  fourteen 
feet  wide,  so  much  the  better.  This  yard  should  be  about  30  or  40  feet 
wide,  and  if  it  contains  a  place  in  the  center  of  strong  posts  for  a  man  to 
take  shelter  in  from  a  vicious  brute,  it  is  not  amiss.  We  once  saw  a  lifn 
saved  in  this  way,  from  an  ugly  bull,  which  broke  from  his  fastening* 
and  would  have  killed  his  keeper  but  for  this  safeguard.  There  should 
also  be  a  grass  lot  near  for  cutting  forage  in  Summer  for  soiling,  and  for 
turning  in  a  sick  horse  occasionally. 

X.    Water. 

The  water  supply  is  important.  If  taken  from  a  well  and  pump  it  L» 
absolutely  essential  that  there  be  no  contamination  from  the  drainage  of 
the  stables  and  yards.  If  a  tank  can  be  so  arranged  that  it  will  not 
freeze,  build  one  by  all  means,  and  connect  by  pipes,  pumping  the  water 
by  means  of  a  windmill.  Or  the  tank  may  be  situated  where  it  will  sup- 
ply the  house,  and  a  pipe  laid  to  the  stable  underground,  ending  in  a 
penstock.  In  this  case,  the  windmill  and  tank  may  be  entirely  isolated 
from  the  bam  or  house,  and  the  water  carried  for  any  distance,  provided 
Ui«  bead  is  higher  thaa  the  outflow. 


CHAPTER    Vm. 


HOW  TO  FEED,  WATEB  A1ST>  GBOOM. 


%.  LATINO  THK  FOUNDATION.  II.   WHAT  TO    FEED.  in.  WHEN  TO    FEED. IV.  Win 

TBRTNG. V.  KIND3  AND  QUANTITIES  OP    FOOD   TO  BE  GIVEN.  VI.  HOW  TO  PRR- 

PARKTHE  FOOD. VU.  HOW  TO  MAKE  MASHES,  GRUELS  AND  HAY-TEA. VIU.   THB 

VALUE  OP  HAY  AND  STRAW. IX.   FEEDING  GRAIN. X.  STABLE  CARE   AND   GR001IS< 

ING. XI.  THE  TIME  TO  CLEAN. XII.   CARE  OF  THE  FEET.  ^— XIU.  BLANEETBOa 

WHSN  NECESSARY. PROPER  TOOLS  FOR  THE  STABML 


I.    Laying  the  Foundation. 

The  feeding  of  horses  must  be  either  simple  or  complex  according  to 
the  circumstances  under  which  they  are  placed  and  the  nature  of  the 
work  required  of  them.  It  would,  for  instance,  be  as  foolish  with  the 
farm  or  ordinary  work  horse  to  pamper  with  fire- warmed  stables,  highly 
stimulating  food,  and  exquisite  grooming,  together  with  all  the  parapher- 
nalia of  blankets,  hoods,  bandages  for  the  legs,  and  necessities  of  tht 
trotting  or  racing  stable,  as  it  would  be  to  allow  this  latter  class  to  re- 
ceive only  the  same  care  and  attention  usually  bestowed  upon  the  team  kept 
solely  for  the  plow  and  other  drudgery  of  the  farm.  At  the  same  tim« 
the  extremes  to  which  horses  are  subject,  either  on  the  farm  or  in  racing 
•tables,  might  well  be  modified  in  very  many  cases  to  the  health  and  w«Jk 

185 


136  ILLUSTRATED     STOCK     DOCTOR. 

being  either  of  the  farm  horse  or  the  pampered  and  high-bred  racei. 
That  is  to  say,  racers  are  often  "drawn  down"  too  fine,  and  the  ordinary 
work  horse  too  often  suffers  from  neglect.  Thus  in  the  first  class  we  see 
a  number  of  diseases  seldom  shown  in  the  stables  of  horses  with  suf- 
ficient care,  w^hile  the  stables  of  horses  carefully  kept  seldom  suffer  with 
the  class  of  diseases  found  when  horses  are  allowed  to  go  dirty  from  day 
to  day,  and  often  from  week  to  week. 

To  commence  at  the  beginning,  the  breeder  who  would  succeed  with 
any  class  of  horses,  should  see  that  the  mare,  while  carrjdng  the  foal, 
has  sufficient  food  and  shelter,  and  that  the  foal  itself  is  sufficiently  nour- 
lAed  during  the  period  of  growth.  Nothing  is  gained  by  insufficient 
shelter  and  food,  whatever  the  use  for  which  the  animal  is  intended,  and 
this  brings  us  to  the  question  of  the  food  itself. 

n.     What  to  Feed. 

In  the  West  the  feed  of  all  horses  of  whatever  class  is  oats,  Indian 
•«rn,  bran  and  hay.  Whatever  the  work  to  be  done,  bran  should  always 
be  kept,  since  a  horse  being  off  his  feed,  or  slightly  ailing  from  any 
cause  not  indicative  of  violent  disease,  bran  mashes  with  good  nursing 
wjftl  bring  him  out  all  right  in  nine  cases  out  of  ten.  So,  in  the  Winter 
"when  horses  are  confined  to  hard  food,  a  bran-mash  once  a  week  should 
be  given,  and  this  generally  on  Sunday  morning.  On  the  farm  there  is 
Hothing  better  than  an  occasional  feed  of  roots — carrots,  Swedish  turnips, 
or  mangel  wurtzel — being  valuable  in  the  order  named.  If  a  peck  of 
these  could  be  given  daily  as  an  evening  or  noonday  meal,  the  good 
effects  of  this  feeding  w^ould  be  quickly  shown.  For  the  mares  before 
foaling  time,  for  the  farm  or  draft  horse,  for  the  carriage  horses  of  the 
citizen,  and  even  for  the  fast  driven  roadster,  or  racer,  when  not  being 
driven  to  exhaustive  work,  these  will  be  found  valuable. 

The  foal  itself  should  be  learned  to  eat  roots  as  quickly  as  possible, 
auo.d  if  the  mare  takes  kindly  to  them  it  will  not  be  a  difficult  matter  for 
the  foal  to  learn  to  eat  them.  As  to  the  other  food  of  the  young  colt  or 
filly,  oats  alone  with  grass  or  hay,  according  to  the  season,  should  be 
allowed.  In  the  Winter,  half  oats  and  half  corn  may  be  given  with  ben- 
efit, unless  the  young  things  are  intended  for  racing  or  trotting,  and  are 
kept  in  warm  stables  ;  then  Indian  corn  would  not  be  desirable,  as  being 
too  heating  under  the  circumstances. 

For  the  ordinary  farm  team,  or  other  horses  of  slow  work,  Indian  corn 
may  be  the  main  dependence  in  Winter,  in  connection  with  good  hay  ; 
especially  so  if  a  few  roots  can  be  allowed  as  a  portion  of  the  daily 
Wroveoder.     For  fast  working  horses,  sound  oats  and  hay  will  be  tb* 


THE    HORSE,    HOW   TO    FEED,    WATER   AND    GROOM.        •  ISf 

principal  dependence,  but  in  the  Winter  we  have  always  giren  ome-thiri 
of  the  weight  of  the  daily  grain  ration  in  Indian  Corn,  and  we  have  aiwajv 
thought,  with  decided  benefit. 

ni.    When  to  Feed. 

The  importance  of  strict  regularity  in  feeding  is  underestimated  by 
nine-tenths  of  the  ordinary  feeders,  and  by  fully  one-half  of  the  stable- 
men having  the  care  of  well  bred  horses.  The  horse,  for  whatever  pur- 
pose he  is  used,  if  actively  employed,  should  not  get  less  than  three  feeds 
a  day,  besides  the  hay  he  eats  during  the  night.  All  fast  working  horses 
should  have  four  feeds  a  day.  The  hours  of  feeding  are  of  prime  im- 
portance. These  should  be,  as  closely  as  possible,  at  six  in  the  morning, 
at  noon,  and  at  six  at  night,  except  at  those  pressing  seasons  of  extra 
labor,  when  the  morning  feed  may  be  an  hour  earlier  and  the  evening 
feed  an  hour  later.  In  this  case,  however,  nose-bags  should  be  carried 
to  the  field,  or  they  should  be  turned  to  the  wagon  at  10  A.  M.  and  at  4 
P.  M.  to  take  one-third  their  usual  allowance,  as  given  morning  and 
evening,  which  meals,  as  a  rule,  should  be  rather  more  than  the  noonday 
feed.  When  corn  is  the  main  dependence  as  feed  these  lunches  should 
be  of  oats,  and  if  bruised  so  much  the  better. 

Fast  working  horses  should  receive  their  food  four  times  a  day,  at  six 
in  the  morning,  at  ten,  at  two,  and  at  nine  at  night.  Carriage  horse« 
should  be  fed  the  same  number  of  times,  the  first  feed  being  at  six,  and 
the  last  after  their  real  work  for  the  day  is  done,  say  at  nine  at  night, 
since  simply  going  to  some  place  of  amusement  at  eleven  o'clock  oi 
later  can  hardly  be  called  work.  The  mid-morning  and  afternoon  meala 
will  depend  upon  the  hours  at  which  they  are  generally  used,  nine  A.  M 
and  1  P.  M.  being  the  usual  times  for  feeding. 

IV.    "Watering. 

Watering  and  the  water  used  is  of  fully  as  much  importance  as  t%& 
feeding.  A  horse  is  particular  as  to  the  water  he  drinks,  but  yet  may  be 
accustomed  to  any  water  without  detriment  if  it  be  fit  for  human  use. 
The  water  of  large  lakes,  rivers  and  running  brooks  is  best  and  in  the 
order  named.  That  of  ponds  without  outlet  or  inlet  the  worst ;  in  fact 
pond  water  should  never  be  used  ;  well  water  is  altogether  better  and  may 
be  given  without  fear,  when  used  constantly,  but  as  with  man,  the  hors» 
accustomed  to  lake  or  river  water,  which  is  always  partially  soft,  should 
be  given  well  water,  when  necessity  requires,  with  care  and  only  in  small 
quantities,  the  change  being  gradually  made.     Water  should  always  Im 


138  ILLUSTIJiriSD    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

effered  before  feeding,  and  never  given  in  large  drafts  immediately  after 
feeding ;  two  to  four  quarts  may  be  given  with  benefit  immediately  aftei 
dry  feed,  to  properly  moisten  the  stomach,  and  it  may  be  freel}^  given  in 
two  or  three  hours  after  feeding.  When  driving,  water  should  be  offered, 
especially  in  hot  weather,  at  every  stop,  but  only  a  few  quarts  should  be 
taken  at  a  time,  for  a  heated  horse,  like  a  heated  man,  will  take  more 
than  is  good  for  him.  Upon  stopping,  wash  the  horse's  mouth  with  a 
tponge  soaked  in  water,  and  let  him  swallow  each  time  two  or  three  light 
fiips,  just  enough  to  moisten  the  throat,  and  upon  starting  give  him  four 
to  six  quarts  each  as  the  occasion  seems  to  demand.  Under  no  circum-. 
stances  allow  a  heated  horse  to  drink  heartily.  Farm  teams  and  slow 
draft  horses,  at  ordinary  labor,  may  be  allowed  what  they  will  naturally 
drink,  but  when  heated  the  same  rule  must  be  observed  as  with  hard 
driven  horses.  With  these  simple  rules  kept  in  view  any  intelligent  owner 
or  driver  may  keep  his  team  fresh  and  without  danger. 

V.    Kinds  and  Quantities  of  Food  to  be  Given. 

We  have  already  spoken  of  the  proper  food  to  be  given  under  ordinary 
circumstances  ;  they  are  sound,  whole  grain,  and  bright,  clean  hay.  Cer' 
tain  classes  of  horses,  as  omnibus  horses,  stage  horses,  car  horses,  and 
the  draft  horses  of  large  mercantile  firms  in  cities,  are  generally  feci 
ground  feed  and  cut  hay.  When  the  hours  of  feeding  and  rest  may  be 
estimated  with  accuracy,  this  is  on  the  whole  as  conducive  to  the  health 
of  the  animal  as  may  be,  when  the  economy  of  such  feeding  is  considered, 
especially  when  we  remember  that  in  large  cities  a  regular  veterinary  sur- 
geon is  employed,  who  visits  the  stables  regularly  to  look  after  the  well- 
being  of  the  horses,  and  also  where  the  superintendents  and  foremen  are 
supposed  to  be  experts. 

On  the  farm,  and  in  the  stables  of  road-driving  horsemen,  and  where 
carriage  horses  are  kept,  cut  feed  may  very  properly  and  economically 
form  from  one-third  to  one-half  of  the  daily  food  given.  When  only  one 
feed  is  given  it  should  be  in  the  morning ;  when  two  are  given,  they 
Bhould  be  the  morning  and  evening  feeds. 

As  to  the  quantity  to  be  given,  no  definite  rule  can  be  laid  down.  The 
'horse  must  have  a  quantity  fully  sufficient  to  keep  him  well  up  to  his 
work.  Hard  working  horses  may,  if  regularly  fed,  have  what  grain  and 
bay  they  will  eat  clean,  and  in  this  case  there  is  no  better. judge  than  the 
animal  itself,  except  in  the  case  of  ravenous  gluttons,  sometimes  found 
among  horses  as  in  the  human  family.  Ela])orate  rules  have  been  laid 
down  by  theorists,  including  a  per  cent,  of  grain  according  to  the  weight 
«f  the  animal.     In  practice  they  will  not  work,  since  the  labor,  conditiou 


THE  HORSE,  HOW  TO  FEED,  WATER  AND  GROOM.  139 

of  the  animal,  temperature  of  the  season,  and  of  stables  must  be  xjonsid- 
ered.  In  the  large  omnibus  stables  where  all  the  work  is  to  be  got  out 
of  horses  that  they  can  endure,  from  ten  to  fourteen  pounds  of  cut  hay 
per  day  are  given,  with  from  eighteen  to  twenty  pounds  of  corn  meal. 
Mix  into  provender,  and  on  it  they  vnW  go  from  eighteen  to  twenty  miles 
each  day.  With  this  about  three  pounds  of  salt  may  be  allowed  each 
i  month.  Some  stable  men  do  not  feed  nioic  than  one  pound,  arguing  that 
a  large  quantity  produces  profuse  staliu.r ;  others  feed  up  to  four.  In 
times  of  extra  severe  labor  the  cornmeal  is  increased  by  about  thr^e 
pounds.  It  would  be  better  if  the  three  pounds  of  meal  where  omitted 
and  one  extra  feed  of  six  quarts  of  whole  oats  be  substituted,  and  given 
daily.  The  average  hvery  horse  may  be  kept  in  good  condition  on  twelve 
pounds  of  hay  and  eight  pounds  of  cornmeal  daily,  to  be  given  at  two 
feeds  with  the  addition  of  six  quarts  of  oats  at  noon,  eight  pounds  of  hay 
to  be  fed  cut,  with  the  meal,  and  four  pounds  from  the  manger.  This 
same  feed  would  do  for  ordinary  farm  horses  at  usual  work,  or  if  the 
grain  is  fed  whole,  five  quarts  of  shelled  corn,  or  its  equivalent  in  ears, 
and  six  quarts  of  oats,  with  what  hay  will  be  eaten  should  keep  the  ani- 
mal in  working  condition. 

VI.    How  to  Prepare  the  Food. 

In  preparing  chopped  feed,  half  the  hay  to  be  used,  or  clean,  bright, 
long  straw  cut  into  about  three-quarters  to  one  inch  lengths,  should  be 
put  into  the  mixing  trough  half  an  hour  before  it  is  to  be  mixed,  and 
thoroughly  moistened.  On  this  throw  the  meal,  mill-feed,  or  whatever 
article  is  to  be  used,  and  moisten  it.  Then  cover  with  sufficient  hay  to 
make  the  mess  for  the  desired  number  of  horses,  weighing  both  hay  and 
meal.  Let  it  stand  until  feeding  time,  when  the  whole  should  be  worked 
over  and  over  until  thoroughly  mixed.  If  salt  is  given  with  the  mess, 
put  in  the  required  quantity  for  each  horse,  from  one-quarter  to  half  an 
ounce  per  horse  each  feed.  Many  stablemen  mix  the  mess  half  a  day  in 
advance,  but  this  we  do  not  like.  Horses,  like  men,  like  their  food 
fresh.  An  iron  box  is  best  for  mixing,  and  it  should  be  thoroughly 
cleaned  after  each  meal. 

Vn.     How  to  Make  Mashes,  Gruel  and  Hay-tea. 

The  ordinary  sweet  mash,  as  usually  made,  is  to  take  four  quarts  ot 
good  bran,  moisten  it  gradually  with  hot  water,  and  then  mix  with  what 
boiling  water  will  bring  it  up  to  the  proper  consistency  for  eating,  cover- 
ing it  with  a  cloth  and  feeding  either  warm  if  the  animal  will  eat  it  *  « 


t^O  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

or  else  cold.  What  salt  will  lie  on  a  quarter  dollar  may  or  may  not  ba 
mixed  with  it. 

A  better  mash,  especially  for  dry  fed  horses,  is  to  boil  two  quarts  of 
oats  and  a  pint  of  linseed,  for  each  horse,  for  about  throe  hours,  and  tnen 
mix  with  it  sufficient  bran  to  bring  it  to  a  proper  consistency.  Cover  with 
a  cloth  and  feed  cold.  Such  a  mash  given  once  a  week,  if  the  horses  are 
OR  average  feed,  will  keep  their  bowels  in  condition.  If  off  their  feed, 
add  a  little  salt  and  a  half  jiint  of  molasses. 

Gruel  is  one  of  the  best  possible  things  for  a  beaten  out  horse.  Stir 
gradually  in  a  gallon  of  water,  a  pint  or  a  quart  of  oat-meal,  or  half  flour 
and  half  corn-meal,  according  as  the  horse  likes  it  thick  or  thin,  and  fill 
up  the  pail  with  cold  water.  If  the  horse  hesitates  about  drinking  it, 
give  him  first  a  mouthful  of  water.  If  he  be  very  tired  a  quart  of  sound 
ale  will  do  him  good,  but  under  no  circumstances,  when  exhausted,  should 
he  be  given  a  feed  either  of  grain  or  hay.  If  the  horse  will  take  nothing 
else,  turn  down  a  bottle  of  sound  ale,  rub  him  until  dry  and  refreshed, 
and  then  feed. 

Hay  TEA  is  also  a  good  stimulant.  To  make  it — fill  a  bucket  three- 
quarters  full  of  bright,  clean  hay,  pour  over  it  enough  boiling  water  to 
fill  the  pail,  and  cover  tight,  to  keep  in  the  steam.  Press  the  hay  down 
occasionally,  let  it  stand  fifteen  minutes,  turn  off,  and  add  water  enough 
to  make  a  bucket  three-quarters  full.  Give  to  the  horse  when  the  liquid 
is  cool  enough  to  drink. 

Vni.    The  Value  of  Hay  and  Straw. 

In  the  feeding  of  horses  the  principal  use  of  hay  is  to  distend  the 
stomach.  For  this  reason  lean  horses,  and  those  just  off  the  pasture  on 
coarse  feed,  require  more  than  those  which  are  regularly  stabled  and 
groomed.  The  change  to  grain  must  not  be  too  sudden,  else  indigestion 
is  apt  to  set  in.  Once  a  horse  is  used  to  full  rations  of  grain,  if  oats  are 
used,  or  corn  meal  and  bran,  he  may  get  along  daily  with  from  six  to 
eight  pounds  of  hay  a  day.  The  hay,  however,  must  be  of  the  very 
best,  bright,  clean  and  free  from  dust.  There  is  no  economy  in  feeding 
bad  hay.  It  is  the  cause  of  heaves,  broken  wind  and  other  diseases 
produced  by  indigestion.  Good  clean  straw  is  altogether  better  than 
poor  hay.  Straw  is  altogether  the  best  material  for  bedding,  and  should 
always  be  used  when  it  can  be  had.  In  the  West  it  is  plenty,  and  yet 
not  one  farmer  in  ten  uses  it  for  bedding  in  sufficient  quantity  or  renews 
i*oft«^  '^n'Tigh. 


THE    HORSE,    HOW    TO    SHELTER.  Hi 

IX.    Feeding  Grain. 

The  most  economical  way  of  feeding  grain  on  the  farm  is  in  its  wholo 
state.  Oats  and  corn  should  be  shaken  in  a  sieve  with  a  mesh  so  small 
that  it  will  not  go  through,  all  dust  and  light  matter  blown  away,  and  all 
stones,  bits  of  iron  or  wire,  carefully  picked  out.  It  will  pay  the  farm- 
er to  do  this  as  well  as  any  other  stable  man.  In  feeding  corn  allow 
one-half  the  measure  ©f  shelled  corn  that  would  be  deemed  sufficient  of 
oats,  since  corn  weighs  about  double  that  of  oats.  If  corn  in  the  ear 
is  fed,  one-third  more  by  measure  heaped  should  be  allowed  than  when 
shelled  grain  is  used.  In  other  words  the  stable  must  use  seventy  pounds 
of  ear  corn  when  fifty-six  of  shelled  corn  would  be  given,  or  112  pounds 
of  oats. 

Some  horses  eat  their  grain  better  for  being  moistened.  If  so,  moisten 
it,  but  as  a  rule  we  like  to  feed  whole  grain  dry,  since  the  horse  is  obliged 
to  grind  it  better  to  get  it  in  condition  for  swallowing.  Horses  with  bad 
teeth  always  bolt  their  food  whole.  All  such  horses,  and  also  aged  ones, 
should  be  fed  cut  hay  and  ground  feed. 

X.    Stable  Care  and  Training. 

The  importance  of  steadiness  and  care  in  the  management  of  the  stable 
and  in  the  cleaning  of  horses  cannot  be  over-estimated.  A  brutal  stable- 
man, or  one  which  a  horse  fears,  should  be  immediately  discharged. 
There  is  indeed  now  and  then  a  horse  that  requires  to  be  kept  in  terror. 
These  of  course  are  exceptions.  The  competent  stable-man  should  use 
neither  fear  nor  brutality.  Not  half  the  so-called  strappers  (cleaners) 
are  fit  to  be  about  a  horse. 

Many  stable-men  imagine  the  curry  comb  is  an  instniment  for  cleaning 
the  legs  and  body  of  the  horse.     It  is  an  instrument  for  cleaning  the 

brush  and  for  loosening  the  scurf  on  the  fleshy — not  bony parts  of 

the  body.  In  using  the  curry  comb,  do  so  lightly,  carrying  it  in  circlea 
rather  than  in  straight  lines.  Use  a  wisp  of  hay  for  rubbing  the  dust 
from  the  legs,  and  a  corn  cob  for  the  fetlocks,  finishing  with  the  brush. 
In  brushing,  do  so  thoroughly,  with  firm,  long  strokes,  where  possible, 
being  careful  in  working  about  the  head  and  bony  parts.  Clean  the 
brush  often  by  passing  it  over  the  teeth  of  the  curry  comb.  When  the 
scurf  and  dust  are  thoroughly  cleaned  out,  go  over  the  horse  with  a  damp 
wisp  of  hay,  and  finish  with  dry  cloths,  being  particular  to  get  any 
particles  of  dirt  out  of  the  fetlocks,  the  ears,  about  the  head,  next  the 
tail,  below  the  thighs,  under  the  jaws,  and  between  the  fore-legs.     A  horae 


142  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

thus  cleaned,  whether  he  belongs  to  the  farm  or  the   city  stable  will  not 
occasion  ehame  on  the  part  of  the  owner. 

It  is  a  question  among  horsemen,  whether  when  a  team  comes  in  wet 
and  muddy  at  night,  it  is  proper  to  wash  them.  We  have  never  fouild 
advantage  in  so  doing.  Clothe  them  warmly,  bandage  the  legs  loosely, 
and  when  dry,  clean  them,  at  least  so  far  as  removing  the  dirt,  and  getting 
up  a  glow  at  the  surface  is  concerned.  Thus  handled,  horses  will  seldom 
be  found  liable  to  surfeit,  scratches,  grease,  and  other  diseases  induced 
by  checking  the  natural  perspiration. 

XI.    The  Time  to  Clean. 

Clean  when  the  horse  is.  dirty.  Always  once  a  day  when  the  horse  is 
kept  in  the  stable.  Horses  that  run  in  the  fields  in  Summer,  or  in  the 
shed  yard  in  Winter  require  no  cleaning.  Nature  provides  a  natural 
scurf  that  defends  them  from  the  changes  of  the  weather.  Before  work 
horses  are  littered  down  for  the  night  they  should  be  again  thoroughly 
cleaned  if  necessary.  As,  for  instance,  if  the  animal  has  been  on  the 
road  or  in  the  field  ;  it  is  important  and  will  lighten  the  morning  cleaning, 
apart  from  real  necessity  of  the  case. 

Whenever  the  horse  comes  into  the  stable  from  the  plow  or  wagon,  for 
the  day,  he  should  be  thoroughly  cleaned  when  dry  enough  ^  and  if  sweat- 
ing or  otherwise  wet  should  be  thoroughly  scraped  at  once.  The  scraper 
is  a  thin,  flexible  piece  of  wood ;  a  section  of  barrel  hoop  makes  a  good 
one.  In  any  event  a  horse  once  in  the  stable,  clean  him  thoroughly,  un- 
less he  be  taken  out  again  after  being  "baited."  If  he  remain  in  the  stable 
long  enough  for  the  operation,  clean  him  especially  as  to  the  limbs,  and 
if  there  is  time,  as  to  the  body.  It  may  seem  like  a  good  deal  of  work, 
but  it  will  pay. 

Xn.    Care  of  the  Feet. 

The  feet  are  half  the  horse,  in  fact  a  horse  with  bad  feet,  is  as  near  a 
worthless  animal  as  possible.  Attention  to  the  feet  is  therefore  of  the 
first  importance.  In  this  connection  shoeing  is  to  be  attended  to.  Know 
that  the  blacksmith  understands  his  business.  There  are  as  many  igno^ 
rant  botch-workmen  in  cities  as  in  the  country.  The  horse's  foot  should 
be  a  study,  and  every  horseman  should  understand  the  anatomy  of  the 
foot ;  this  will  be  given  in  its  proper  place.  How  to  care  for  the  feet  is 
in  place  here.  When  the  horse  is  brought  in  from  work,  each  foot  should 
be  lifted,  cleaned,  and  examined  with  the  picker  to  see  that  no  gravel  or 
•ther  hard  substance  has  found  lodgment  between  the  shoe  and  hoof,  or 


THE    HORSE,    HOW   TO    SHELTER.  143 

about  the  frog.  Examine  the  frog  to  see  that  no  substance  is  wedged 
therein,  and  that  no  nail  or  other  sharp  object  has  pierced  the  sole.  If 
the  hoofs  are  inclined  to  be  hard  and  dry,  fill  them  with  a  mixture  of 
cow-dung  and  clay,  or  with  oakum  saturated  with  tar  and  petroleum. 
Watch  them  for  contraction  of  the  hoof,  caused  by  allowing  the  shoe  to 
remain  on  too  long,  or  from  bad  shoeing.  If  the  frog  gets  torn  and  rag- 
ged, cut  the  ragged  edges  but  leave  the  frog  intact.  If  the  hoof  be  found 
pierced  with  a  nail,  and  you  are  not  perfectly  sure  you  have  pulled  out' 
every  bit,  cut  it  out  at  whatever  labor  it  may  be  to  you,  or  pain  to  the 
animal.  Then  dress  the  wound  with  a  pledget  of  tow  saturated  with  tar. 
If  the  hoofs  are  inclined  to  be  hard  and  brittle,  oil  them  occasionally,  or 
let  the  horse  stand,  say  for  an  hour  or  two,  or  for  a  half  day  on  Sunday, 
in  a  box  of  soft  clay  and  cow-manure,  coming  prettywell  up  the  hoofs. 
Thus  by  the  exercise  of  care  and  judgment  you  may  keep  the  feet,  what 
they  ought  to  be,  the  better  part  of  the  horse. 

Xiil.    Blanketing— When  Necessary. 

A  blanket  is  always  necessary  when  the  horse  is  standing  in  the  stable 
in  Winter.  A  light  sheet  is  about  as  necessary  in  Summer,  during  fly 
time.  A  blanket  should  always  be  thrown  over  the  horse  in  cold  weathev, 
or  even  in  the  cool  weather  of  Spring  and  Autumn,  when  standing  after 
being  driven.  A  horse  should  always  be  blanketed  when  standing  in  a 
draft,  or  in  the  rain,  using  a  cloth  or  rubber  blanket  as  the  case  may  be. 

In  blanketing  a  horse,  see  that  the  blanket  is  sufficiently  large  to  cove^ 
the  animal  from  the  neck  to  the  tail,  see  also  that  the  breast  flaps  are 
sufficient  to  protect  this  sensitive  part,  and  that  the  blanket  is  Urge 
enough  to  cover  the  sides  and  flank  fully.  If  nov^  do  not  buy  it  at  any 
price.  Buy  a  blanket  for  each  horse,  and  having  them  use  them  when 
necessary,  buckling  them  on  so  they  will  stay.  Very  many  stable-men 
have  a  number  of  blankets  for  each  horse  ;  this  is  well  enough  if  they  can 
afford  it,  but  one  blanket  to  each  horse,  with  enough  in  reserve  so  a  dry 
blanket  may  be  had  as  occasion  requires,  and  with  a  good  surciMgle  to 
•ach  blanket,  is  all  that  is  really  necessary. 

Xrv.    Proper  Tools  for  the  Stable. 

The  tools  necessary  for  cleaning  a  horse  properly  may  be  very  few  or 
many.  As  a  rule  any  horse  may  be  properly  cleaned  with  a  scraper,  a 
curry  comb,  a  brush,  a  sponge,  a  comb,  a  wisp  of  straw,  and  a  rubbing 
cloth.  Horse  pails  both  for  washing  the  horse  and  for  watering  are  in. 
dispensable  to  any  stable  but  never  use  one  for  the  other.     These  shoulcj 


144  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

be  of  oak,  half  an  inch  thick,  and  with  strong  iron  bails,  and  to  hold 
fourteen  quarts.  The  set  of  cleaning  tools  should  be  provided  for  every 
two  horses.  Every  stable  should  have  two  manure  forks,  one  of  steel  and 
one  of  wood,  splint  broom,  a  scoop  shovel,  and  a  wheel-barrow.  With 
these  any  stable  may  be  kept  clean,  and  if  the  eye  of  the  master  is  kept 
on  the  help,  the  horses  will  not  suffer  for  want  of  care.  And  these  essen- 
tials to  a  stable,  and  the  treatment  suggested,  are  urged  on  the  score  of 
economy.  They^ay.  We  also  urge  them  from  humane  considerations, 
and  those  of  neatness  and  system .  In  all  respects  kindness  and  attention 
to  a  horse  axe  both  satisfactory  and  remunerative. 


CHAPTER  IX. 


BEICEFITS  OF  KHTD  AND  CABEFCTL  TBEATUEHT. 


k.  .ABO00O  A  FAITHFXJI,  SBRVAKT.—^n.  WHAT  ARE   BARBARrmS. ni.  A  FICTCTai  >WM| 

U7B. IV.  THE  OTHSR  SIDE. V.  A  GOOD  FARMER'S  SURROUNDINGS. VI.  FAJUC^ 

unthrbpt's  barn.  — —  vn.  his  home.  — —  vin.  the  carefui.  man's  theort.— —  cp 
osiNa  the  josans  ws  have. z.  AN  1NFAI4LIB1.B  rule. 


L   Abusing  a  Faithful  Servant 

The  horse  is  the  most  useful  servant  of  man,  as  he  is  one  of  the  moefe 
noble  of  animals.  He  is  fortunate  if  he  falls  into  the  hands  of  a  kind 
and  considerate  master.  Fully  one-half  of  the  horses  used  in  civilized 
countries  are  driven  by  persons  brutal  in  ♦^heir  temper  and  instincts,  who, 
coming  into  possession  of  a  horse  suffering  from  disability,  inflicted  by 
some  former  owner,  or  perhaps  reduced  in  value  by  age,  are  sold  for  » 
3ong,  and  thereafter  the  poor  tortured  brutea  wear  out  a  most  miserable 
existence,  until  at  length  they  drop  in  their  tracks,  literally  driven  to 
death.  This  picture  is  not  overdrawn.  Go  into  any  of  our  cities,  and 
on  to  many  of  the  farms  of  the  land,  and  see  animals  in  every  stage  of 
incurable  disorders.  On  farms  horses  disabled  for  city  use  m  the  posse* 
•ion  of  some  renter,  whose  only  aim  seems  to  be  to  see  how  soon  and  on 
how  little  food  he  can  wear  out  the  miserable  animal.  Contrast  thcM 
With  the  horses  that  are  carefully  fed  and  cared  for,  and  by  actual  count 
the  result  will  be  surprising  even  to  a  veterinarian. 

As  a  rule,  the  horses  of  the  better  class  of  farmers  fare  the  best.  They 
•re  not  pampered,  it  is  true,  neither  are  they  overdriven  or  overworked. 
If  they  remain  on  the  farm,  they  are  capable  of  full  work  until  they  aM 

146 


146 


ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 


twenty  years  old.     How  many  arrive  at  this  age?     Not  one  in  fifty.    TWi 
most  of  them  die  under  seven  years  of  age. 

n.    What  A.re  BarbEirities. 

Their  name  is  legion.      It  is   barbarous  to  overload  or  overdrive  aii> 
^^\9  '  U)  or'nQ  them  insufficient  food  and  water ;  to  allow  them  to  stAud 


TllK  TBAM  OF  THK  CKUBL  AND  IMPROVIDENT  MASTER,  AND  THE  USUAL  SURROUNuINGfl 


day  after  day  uneleaned  and  in  filth,  denying  them  even  the  poor  boon  of 
rleaning  themselves  ;  to  work  them  during  the  progress  of  spavin  or  rin^ 
hone,  navicular  disease,  with  corns,  gravel,  or  other  painful  ailments  of 


THE    HORSE,    KIND    TREATMENT. 


14Y 


the  foot ;  to  let  them  stand  shivering  in  the  cold,  or  in  apologies  for  sta- 
bles, in  inclement  weather  without  blankets  ;  to  drive  them  in  the  mud 
and  Tnire  and  neglect  to  clean  them  ;  to  ride  them  under  torturing  sad- 
dle*, or  to  drive  them  in  galling  collars  and  harness  ;  to  use  badly  fitting 


*HE  TEAM  OF  THE  KIND  AND  CAREFUL  MASTER,  AND  THE  NATURAL  SURROUNDINCB. 

or  torturing  bits,  and  then  jerk  their  tender  mouths  because  their  agon,^ 
will  not  allow  them  to  carry  their  heads  directly  in  line  or  go  straight 
ahead ;  to  ride  or  drive  through  deep  mud  at  a  pace  which  quickly  ex- 
hausts the  animal,  and  then  beat  with  a  loaded  whip,  because  they  flag, 
or  spur  them  until  their  sides  are  a  gore  of  blood ;   to  keep  the  poor 


148  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

•Features  in  terror,  from  fear  of  the  whip,  and  then  beat  with  renewed 
vigor  because  the  innocent  brute  does  not  comprehend  what  the  master 
reallv  does  not  know  himself ;  to  give  the  faithful  servant  over  to  th* 
tender  mercies  of  some  man  who  calls  himself  a  blacksmith,  who  either 
pricks  him  with  a  nail,  pares  down  the  hoof  and  the  frog  to  the  quick. 
and  then  because  the  poor  animal  cringes,  holds  back  or  perhaps  stum- 
bles, beats  him  for  it.  Such  are  a  few  of  the  more  common  of  the 
cruelties  inflicted,  and  which  may  be  seen  day  by  day  by  any  who  will 
notice.  A  man  cannot  pass  along  the  streets  in  any  large  city,  on  any 
day,  without  seeing  some  of  these  things. 

The  observing  man  need  not  travel  far  in  the  country  to  see  some  such 
picture  as  we  present  of  the  farmer  who  believes  in  letting  his  stock  shift 
for  themselves  when  not  at  work,  and  is  careful  not  to  over-feed  when 
they  struggle  with  the  plow  or  wagon. 

m.    A  Picture  from  Life. 

But,  sav  some  readers,  the  picture  on  page  146  is  a  fancy  sketch.  Not  at 
all.  It  is  drawn  from  life.  The  superannuated,  rat-tailed  horse,  with 
one  ear  gone,  blind,  spavined,  ill  kept  and  ill  fed  ;  the  mule,  still  more 
rat-tailed  than  the  horse,  intact  only  as  to  his  ears,  the  broKea-down 
fence,  the  edge  of  the  marshy  pond,  serving  as  a  wallowing  place  for 
hogs,  and  as  a  watering  place  for  the  family  and  stock  ;  the  dilapidated 
stable  ;  the  log  cabin — all  are  true  to  life.  There  is  but  one  redeeming 
feature  in  the  whole  scene :  the  wife  begging  that  a  little  land  may  be 
left  in  front  of  the  house  unplowed.  "Will  it  be  granted?  Not  so. 
The  ragsred  edged  plow  will  cut  as  close  to  the  corner  of  the  cabin  as 
possible,  and  then  bear  off  in  a  circle  in  the  near  distance  beyond.  Land 
is  too  valuable  to  spare  any  next  the  house,  but  the  weeds  and  dilapidated 
fence  tell  a  tale  of  plenty  of  land  bcA^ond.  If  the  traveler  chose  he 
might  learn  the  cause  of  all  this.  A  history  made  in  the  comer  grocery 
of  the  village,  over  the  broken  bridge. 

Contrast  this  with  the  companion  picture  we  give  on  page  147,  and 
which  tells  a  very  different  tale. 

IV.    The  Other  Side. 

It  is  of  the  farmer  who  is  well-to-do  by  his  own  tact  and  energy.  His 
team  is  trained  to  almost  human  intelligence.  Strong,  able  horses,  whose 
dams  were  kindly  worked  and  carefully  fed.  When  foals  they  were  early 
teu^ht  to  take  their  oats.  In  Winter  they  were  carefully  housed,  their 
training  commencing  within  a  few  days  of  their  birth  ;  broken  in  at  two 


THE  HORSE,    KIND    TREATMEN1  ,  149 

y«ars  old,  worked  gently,  and  at  three  past  given  full  Iibeil>  again  until 
four.  They  are  now  six  years  old,  trained  to  go  without  £nes,  a  grnr 
and  a  bay;  well  bred;  weighing  1250  each;  capable  of  going  a  nJie  in 
four  minutes  to  the  farm  wagon.  How  much  think  3'ou  they  are  worth? 
Let  us  whisper  it ;  $800  has  been  refused.  A  foolish  farmer  is  he  noi, 
to  keep  so  much  money  in  2^  farm  team?  Perhaps  not.  He  aska  $1200^ 
and  he  will  get  it.  He  has  fulfilled  the  conditions  we  have  given  as  to 
breeding,  feeding,  watering,  care,  shelter,  breaking  and  training.  The}? 
have  lacked  for  nothing  he  could  give  them,  and  in  turn  refuse  nothing 
they  maj  be  able  to  do  for  him . 

V.    A  Good  Parmer's  Surroundings. 

The  surroundings  of  a  man  in  any  condition  in  life,  whether  he  be  rich 
or  poor,  are  an  index  to  his  character  The  animus  of  all  men  is  to  make 
money,  but  some  possess  in  connection,  a  love  of  the  beautiful.  Without 
method  in  labor  no  man  can  be  successful.  The  farmer  who  has  method, 
and  an  eye  for  the  beautiful,  and  onl}^  comfortably  well  off,  perhaps,  will 
show  his  bam  yards  and  surroundings  something  like  the  following  iU*»« 
tration ; 


THE  BARN  OF  THE  PROVIDENT  MASTER. 


His  oams  are  tight  and  ample,  and  filled  to  the  ridge-pole  with  foddei 
His  yrrds  are  protected  with  shelter-belts  and  wind-break?.  hi<j  pasture* 
and  meadows  ample  and  luxuriant,  and  his  crops  well  tilleil  and  hearjr. 
Inside  his  bams  will  be  found  a  place  for  everjlhing  and  everything  ^ 
Hs  place. 

VI.  Farmer  XTnthrift's  Bam. 

On  the  other  hand  we  give  a  view  of  the  bam  of  the  improvident  masteT 
His  well,  simply  a  hole  in  the  ground  where  the  drainage  of  the  3'ard  n^.t> 
enter,  the  roof  of  the  hovel  rent  and  torn,  the  delapidated  doors  propped 

10 


150 


ILLUSTRATED   STOCK   DOCTOR. 


op  with  rails,  the  weather-boards  fallen  or  falling  off,  and  the  whole  thing 

shaky,  like  the  master's  mind.     Fine  stock,  fat,  and  well  groomed,  have 

come  out  of  hovels  of  barns ;  they 
were  made  warm  and  comfortable.  It 
is  not  the  most  expensive  structures 
that  always  contain  the  best  stock, 
but  in  the  end  the  better  barn  will  b« 
built.  ^Ve  have  never  seen  good 
stock  issue  from  such  a  bam  as  we 
have  shown,  and  it  only  needs  to  show 
the  house  the  farmer  lives  in,  with 
its  brush  heap,  its  line  of  ragged 
clothes,    the    ragged,  dirty  children, 

«nd  generally  dilapidated  appearance,  to  complete  the  pictorial  story  of 

neneral  unthrift 

Vn.    Farmer  TTnthrift's  Home. 


FARMER  VXIHRIFTS   BARN. 


FARMER  UNTHRIFT'S  HOME. 


Suob  a  man  will  raise  his  colts  from  spavined  and  broker  down  mares  , 
mey  will  shift  for  themselves  upon  scanty  pasture  in  SumUi  r,  ai  d  in  the 
brush  in  Winter.  He  believes  in  hardening  his  stock,  and  he  (V^s  it  j 
hardens  them  into  "runts,"  not  worth  a  month's  keeping.  They  are 
literally  broken  to  work,  broken  in  body  and  temper  with  cruel  blows  j 
they  are  halter-broken  too,  the  halter  is  a  rope  knotted  a!)0ut  the  neck, 
like  the  poor  old  horse  shown  on  next  page,  tied  outside  the  bani  for  th« 
benefit  of  the  fresh  air  it  may  get ;  a  starved  out  skeleton  horse,  contein- 
platin""  the  skeleton  of  a  barn.  Even  in  such  a  barn  there  are  cajjabilitir 
that  may  be  utilized  for  comfort.  It  may  be  reshingled,  and  r^ew  ch.] 
hoarded,  and  the  doors  hung  on  their  hinges.  It  may  even  bf)  patched 
^p  80  as  not  to  leak,  and  be  banked  up  to  keep  out  the  cold.     But  will  ft 


i 


THE    HORSE,  HOW  TO  SHELTER.  151 

»e?  Hardly  !  The  picture  of  the  old  house,  the  wreck  of  a  horse,  the 
old  rope  around  the  neck,  the  rotten  barn,  all  tell  of  more  money  spent 
at  the  dram-shop  than  for  the  maintenance  and  comfort  of  the  family  oi 
the  well-being  of  the  stock. 


THK  BARN  OF  THE  CRUBL  MASTER.  A  MODEL  HALTER  ON  A  MODEL  COLT. 

Vin.    The  Carefiil  Man's  Theory. 

As  an  accompaniment  to  this  we  give  an  illustration  of  a  well-kept 
colt  in  a  model  halter  for  unbroken  horses.  By  slipping  both  ends  of 
the  chin  strap  through  the  ring  of  the  tying  rope,  it  is  a  halter  for  a  well 
broken  horse.  The  man  who  possesses  such  stock  and  fixtures  may  not 
be  rich ;  probably  is  not,  but  he  is  a  careful,  thinking,  reading,  method- 
ical man,  who  believes  in  doing  everything  well.  He  uses  no  cruel 
bridles,  gives  his  colts  no  excuse  for  getting  cast  in  their  halters.  Hia 
harness  seldom  galls  the  team,  and  when  it  does,  it  is  remedied  at  the 
first  indication.  However  dirty  his  team  goes  into  the  stable,  it  always 
comes  out  clean  and  blooming ;  not  only  this,  such  a  master  never  finally 
leaves  his  team  for  the  night,  after  a  hard  day's  labor,  until  it  is  dry,  well 
groomed,  well  littered  down,  and  in  every  way  comfortable  for  the  night. 
In  the  morning  his  team  are  always  ready  for  the  field  or  road ;  and 
however  eager  or  spirited  they  may  be,  will  travel  along  together,  eithef 
ahead  of  or  behind  the  master,  and  looking  like  the  picture  that  we  hem 
give  on  following  page — a  lordly  team,  that  only  could  belong  to  a  kind 
and  considerate  master. 

They  are  not  too  many.  The  cruel,  or  shiftless,  or  drunken  master* 
are  plenty  enough.  The  farm  stock  of  many  get  barely  enough  to  eat» 
and  that  in  an  irregular  and  improvident  kind  of  way.  They  never  paB 
rery  heavy  loads,  the  master  has  not  many  to  haul,  and  he  believ*  s  Ml 


152 


ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 


skim  plowing.  When  he  comes  home,  he  "runs  them  into  the  barn/' 
Buch  as  it  is  ;  or  they  take  the  yard  for  it,  and  in  the  morning  very  closely 
xeuemble  the  picture  on  the  left  • 


TBAM  OP  THE  KIND  MASTBR. 


TEAM  OF  THE  CRUEL  MASTER. 


A  "humped  up,"  hungry,  thirsty  pair  of  servants  to  a  cruel,  because 
improvident  master. 

Such  a  man  may  not  be  cruel  in  the  sense  of  beating.  He  may  be 
really  a  kind-hearted  man,  a  good  neighbor,  "thoroughly  honest,  as  the 
world  goes,"  he  may  even  be  a  good  Christian  man,  or  think  so  at 
least.  He  is  cruel  nevertheless.  More  cruel  perhaps  than  the  brute  who 
belabors  his  beasts  and  then  repents.  Cruel  in  his  improvidence,  in  his 
neglect  of  his  farm  and  his  stock. 


HIS  DOOR-TARD  GATE. 


UlS   FIELD-GATE 


Is  it  any  wonder  that  in  the  morning  the  team  should  be  found  in  tho 
yard,  waiting  for  their  breakfast.  The  wonder  is  that  there  should  b« 
anyth.ng,  either  in  the  house  or  out  for  either  man  or  beast  to  breakfast  on. 

If  to  neglect  we  add  a  cruel  or  brutal  disposition,  the  animals  of  the 
firm  are  to  be  pitied,  and  the  household  likewise  pitied,  and  pra^^ed  for. 

This  chapter  is  pictorial,  and  not  particularly  given  to  practical  infor- 
mation on  the  care  of  horses.  It  is  a  chapter  of  contrasts,  and  given 
deliberately,  as  indicating  far  more  eloquently  than  mere  words  can,  the 
^fference  between  careful  and  kind  treatment  of   stock,  and  cruel  of 


THE    HORSE,    KIND    TREATMENT.  153 

neglectful  treatment.  It  is,  in  fact,  the  story  of  thrift  and  unthrift. 
We  expect  few  whom  it  might  benefit  will  see  it.  The  unthrifty  man 
whom  we  have  depicted,  seldom  sees  books,  and  we  might  almost  say, 
never  buys  one.  Those  however  who  do,  may  perform  good  missionary 
work  among  the  class  we  have  represented,  by  showing  them  how  quickly 
thrift  will  follow  good  intentions,  religiously  kept,  backed  up  by  honest 
hidustry,  guided  by  careful  judgment,  and  accompanied  by  a  will  to 
perform.  It  will  repair  houses  and  barns,  build  gates  and  fences,  culti-^ 
vate  smiling  fields,  rear  and  train  good  stock,  lift  the  mortgage  off  the 
farm ,  educate  the  growing  family,  and  bring  comfort  and  happiness  to  a 
once  cheerless  and  suffering  family. 

IX.    Using  the  Means  We  Have. 

In  the  foregoing;,  it  is  not  to  be  understood  that  expensive  appearances 
are  necessary  for  training  a  horse,  neither  is  it  to  be  understood  that 
costly  buildings  are  necessary.  We  have  stated  more  than  once  that  any 
farm  animal  may  be  kept  in  the  most  comfortable  manner,  in  a  structure 
made  of  poles  and  hay,  and  we  will  add,  kept  in  as  good  health  as  in  ex- 
pensive stables.  The  reason  is  that  the  master  who  uses  care  in  making 
a  simple  structure  warm  and  comfortable  has  humanity  to  start  with,  and 
generally  gives  his  own  personal  care  and  supervision,  while  in  costly 
stables  the  animals  are  usually  left  to  the  care  of  men  hired  for  the  pur- 
pose. The  owner,  often,  from  the  pressure  of  other  business  pursuits, 
being  unable  to  do  more  than  to  drive  a  favorite  animal  or  team.  In 
perhaps  a  majority  of  cases  he  knows  little  or  nothing  of  how  a  horse 
should  be  cared  for,  and  of  course  nothing  as  to  the  fitness  of  those 
whom  he  pays  for  doing  the  work. 

The  object  of  this  work  is  to  present  in  a  condensed  form  the  best  prac- 
tices, founded  upon  common  sense,  and  the  experience  of  superior 
stockmen  in  the  care  of  animals.  A  study  of  these  pages  will  enable  any 
person  to  acquire  a  good  idea  of  the  simplest  and  best  means  for  arriving 
at  a  correct  knowledge  of  how  animals  should  be  bred,  raised,  fed,  trained, 
and  cared  for.  He  may  thus  understand  how  to  do  the  work  himself,  or, 
in  case  he  be  a  man  of  business,  or  wealth  and  leisure,  he  may  quickly 
know  whether  the  help  he  relies  on  are  doing  their  duty,  not  only  in  feed- 
ing and  cleaning,  in  exercising  and  the  general  care  of  the  animals  under 
them,  but  also  know  at  a  glance,  whether  the  animals  are  treated  with 
the  kindness  and  consideration  that  dumb  brutes,  but  faithful  servants, 
deserve  from  man.  The  closest  and  most  constant  attention  to  these  points 
will  abundantly  pay  every  farmer,  and  every  wise  farmer  will  be  certain  to 
J»estow  such  care. 


I^  n-LUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

X    An  Irfellible  Bule. 

We  hare  known  a  bmtal  5t.i'""c-r^.  r.  :■>  f  ?g  a  horse  in  the  most  terrible 
maimer,  simply  to  get  rid  of  id*  own  ugline^,  as  he  expressed  it,  while 
at  <H^£nanr  times  he  petted  and  made  much  of  the  animal.  Sach  an  ani. 
mal  will  be  frantic  at  the  sght  of  a  whip  held  in  a  threatening  manner. 
Animals  that  are  in  the  halHt  of  being  strack  with  the  pitchfork,  or  being 
kicked  and  cuffed,  wHl  watch  carefoIlT  the  stable-man,  and  show  by  their 
DerroQsness  in  the  stable  what  ther  are  expecting,  while  of  the  master 
:  Dgj  win  show  no  sign  of  fear.  Stable-men  are  often  cunning  creamres  ; 
laey  will  have  soothing  words  to  qoi^  the  animal  in  the  presence  of  the 
masto*.  We  have  always  held  that  the  horse  dionld  be  spoken  to  firmly 
but  qmethr,  and  always  hare  an  inherent  suspicion  that  a  team  exhibiting 
signs  of  fear  at  times,  where  we  always  hear  the  keeper  speaking  to  them 
in  soothing  tones,  are  abosed  in  secret. 

No  sme  man  would  practice  sadli  treatment  to  his  own  stock,  and  no 
num  who  is  oUiged  to  leare  valuable  animal >  in  the  care  of  servants 
ehiMld  fail  to  know  that  they  are  doing  their  duty.  It  is  not  enough  that 
the  Etable-men  feed  the  regular  rations,  that  they  clean  and  exExcise  pro|>- 
»lj.  It  should  be  made  impcHtant  that  in  all  their  interoourse  with  the 
animaU  under  tfafir  care,  thej  be  not  vndiilj  punished,  nor  in  any  otbev 


CHAPTER  IL. 


HOW  TO   BUY. 


C  HOW  TO  GET  CtXKKECT   IKFOBMATIOX. II.    THE    BUYEB  MrST    KNOW  WHAT    HE   WAST* 

III.  PEOPORTIOKS     OF     THE   HOKSE. n*.   THE    CLEVELAND   BAY     FOR    PROFIT. Y. 

THE    LIGHT    HARNESS   HOBSE. VI.   SADDLE    HOESES   OF    ALL   GAITS. VII.    THE   HIGH. 

BRED    HUNTING    HORSE. VIII.   RACING   HORSES. IX.   WHAT   THE  RACER  SHOULD   BE. 

X.    TO    AVOID     VICES     AND   DEFECTS — HOW    TO     DETECT, XI.    OTHER    FAULTS    ANI» 

IMPERFECTIONS. 


I.    How  to  Get  Correct  Information. 

Every  horse  owner  sooner  or  later  becomes  a  judge  of  what  he  is  buy- 
ing. If  he  depends  entirely  upon  the  lessons  learned  through  cheats  that 
are  practiced  upon  him  by  sharp  jockeys,  life  is  too  short  for  him  ever  to 
become  an  adept  in  distinguishing  vice,  unsoundness,  ''dosed  up"  and 
used  up  horses  as  among  the  various  tricks  and  swindles  practiced  upon 
the  ignorant  and  unwary.  Generally  after  being  cheated,  or  absolut«»ly 
swindled  a  few  times,  the  breeder  goes  to  the  only  correct  source  of 
information,  concisely  written  and  carefully  illustrated  books.  He  is 
thus  enabled  not  onl}^  to  study,  but  subsequently  to  carry  in  his  mind 
what  he  has  read  and  seen ;  he  comes  to  compare  critically  the  living 
animal  with  the  illustrations  and  descriptions,  and  thus  becomes  an  expert 
himself,  and  in  a  hundredth  part  of  the  time  by  which  he  could  acquire 
correct  information  in  any  other  way.  This  is  precisely  the  means  used 
by  any  professional  man  in  the  acquisition  of  true  knowledge  in  the 
pursuit  of  his  profession,  whether  it  be  in  a  learned  profession  or  in  th« 
education  to  practical  art.     Thereafter  practice  makes  perfect. 

n.    The  Buyer  Must  Know  What  he  Wants. 

Suppose  he  is  looking  for  stock  from  which  to  breed  trotting  horses. 
He  must  then  consider  the  t^^ie  of  horse  he  wishes  to  breed  :  whether  fol 

155 


156 


ILLUSTRATED   STOCK    DOCTOR. 


speaj  alone,  or  for  style  and  speed.  That  is,  first  class  road  horses,  or 
larg.'^,  strong,  able  horses,  combining  in  as  great  a  degree  as  may  be  large 
Bize^  strength,  endurance  and  such  style  as  may  be  conformable  with  this 
oias>«.  of  horses. 


As  showing  what  may  be  done  in  colts  got  by  breeding  up  out  of 
roomy  mares  of  fair  style,  bred  to  high  class  trotting  stallions,  we  give 
three  cuts  of  stallions,  certainly  good  enough  for  sires,  and  as  models  of 
what  such  horses  should  be.     The  first  showing  eminent  breeding,  with 


i 


THE    HORSE,    HOW    TO    BUY 


157 


style  enough  ;  nitlier  straight  on  his  fetlocks,  according  to  the  idea  of 
nilmy  i;ood  horsemen,  but  with  length  enough,  from  our  standpoint,  to 
o-ire  flexibility.     A  horse  compact  and  smooth,  with  excellent  flat  and 


Bincwy  limbs,  good  feet,  ample  chest,  good  lungs,  fine  eye,  broad  for©. 
head,  and  strong  jaws.  The  head  not  the  ideal  of  modern  '*  blood 
horsemen,"  but  nevertheless  showing  docility  and  intelligence  in  a  high 


degree. 


Shelving  also  high  breeding  in  every  part. 


158 


ILLLSTIiATED    STOCK    DOCTOK. 


The  cut  on  page  157  is  of  a  horse  of  great  style  and  endurance,  line  all 
over.  A  horse  that  will  go  with  iiis  head  well  uo  :  Urn's  exceedingly 
tine,  mane  rather  light,  but  with  plenty  of  tail,  as  a  hor:  should  have; 
evidently  showing  Morgan  blood,  dashed  with  Bell  F(  .ndcr  and  othei 
thorough  blood. 


Between  the  two,  for  real  and  intrinsic-  merit,  the  first  should  be  taken 
There  is  plenty  of  style  about  him,  and  strength.     There  is  also  a  body 
of  tine  character  on  limbs  of  great  power.     Such  will  be  found  accept- 
able and  sought  after  a' ways  by  gentlemen  wanting  a  single  horse,  or  a 
pair  for  driving  on  the  road,  or  for  driving  in  the  city  park-ways  in  th« 


THE   HORSE,    HOW   TO    BUY. 


159 


afternoon.  Either  of  the  two  will  make  capital  and  stylish  saddle  horses, 
if  well  trained,  such  as  no  gentleman  of  ordinary  weight  or  any  lady 
need  be  ashamed  of  when  taking  the  afternoon  trot  or  canter  on  the 
fashionable  boulevards  or  park-drives  of  our  large  cities,  or  on  the  streets 
or  roadings  of  cities  having  no  parks.  The  first  the  best  horse,  the  sec- 
ond the  most  stylish. 

The  third  cut  we  give  is  that  of  a  horse  of  large  size  and  strong  build,  j 
adapted  for  drawing  as  a  single  horse  for  the  coupe,  or  one  of  a  team  to 
the  family  carriage  ;  as  one  of  a  pair  for  a  coach  or  barouche  ;  one  that 
will  give  satisfaction  almost  anywhere,  if  not  driven  over  eight  miles  an 
hour,  and  capable  as  well  of  hauling  loads  on  good  roads,  at  a  fast 
walking  pace. 

A  horse  of  this  stamp,  sixteen  to  sixteen  and  a  half  hands  high,  not 
particularly  heavy  set,  rather  long-limbed,  with  rangy  neck  and  good 
head,  with  plenty  of  spirit,  and  weighing  about  1200  pounds,  may  be 
called  a  general  utility  horse.  Such  will  command  ready  sale  at  any 
time,  if  well  broken  and  trained,  say  at  from  $200  to  $300  each,  and  if 
particularly  nice  and  well  matched,  often  at  $800  or  $900  the  pair,  as 
carriage  horses  when  five  or  six  years  old. 


m.   Proportions  of  the  Hdrse. 


PBOPOETION8  OF  THK     VARIOUS  PARTS. 


To  arrive  at  a  clear  understanding  of  the  proportions  of  the  horse,  we 
give  an  outline  that  will  be  a  good  study,  not  only  for  the  beginner,  but 


160  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

will  be  valuable  for  reference  for  any  horseman,  however  expert  he  ma;y 
be.  This  illustration  combines  the  average  measurements  of  six  horses, 
accepted  for  perfect  s^'mmetry,  and  taken,  says  Mr.  J.  H.  "Walsh  (Stone- 
benge)-  —one  of  the  most  graphic  and  lucid  of  English  writers  on  the 
horse — two  of  them  from  celebrated  stallions,  two  from  thorough-bred 
hunters,  and  two  from  chargers  of  great  value.  This,  therefore,  will  not 
apply  to  draft  horses,  but  it  will  be  found  that  the  nearer  the  general 
utility  horse  comes  to  these  measurements,  the  better  he  will  be. 

I^XH£S. 

Height 68 

Length  from  shoulder-point  to  quarter 66 

From  the  lowest  part  of  the  chest  to  the  ground 36 

From  the  elbow-poiot  to  the  ground 39 

From  the  withers  to  the  pole,  jusc  behind  the  ears,  in  a  straight  line 30 

The  same  measured  along  the  crest 32 

Length  of  head 22 

Width  across  the  forehead 9 1-2 

From  the  withers  to  the  hip 22 

From  the  stifle  to  the  point  of  the  hock,  in  the  attitude  shown  in  the  plan 29 

From  the  root  of  the  tail  to  the  stifle-joint 26 

From  the  point  of  the  hock  to  the  ground 22  1-2 

Length  of  arm  from  the  elbow  to  the  pisiform  bone  (the  rear  bone  of  those 

forming  the  upper  articulation  of  the  knee) 191-2 

From  the  pisiform  bone  to  the  ground 19  1-2 

rfxirlh  varies  from 78  to  79 

Circumference  of  fore-cannon  bone  (large  metacarpei  or  shank  bone,  extend- 
ing from  the  knee  to  the  fetlock) 7  1-2, 8,  8, 8,  8  1-2  and  9 

Circumference  of  arm  just  below  the  elbow 16  1-2  to  18 

The  foregoing  is  not  to  be  taken  as  a  fixed  rule  in  comparing  ordinary 
horses,  nor  even  those  well-bred.  Eclipse,  for  instance,  may  be  given  as 
a  most  wonderful  horse,  differing  in  many  material  respects  from  these 
measurements.  He  was  three  inches  taller  at  the  withers,  and  yet  higher 
in  the  croup  than  at  the  withers.  His  head  was  of  the  same  length  as 
the  average  given,  but  it  is  said  to  have  been  twelve  inches  across  at  the 
forehead.  He  was  a  big  horse  in  every  respect ;  tall,  lengthy,  capacious 
Ib  bodv,  higher  behind  than  before,  his  neck  and  back  long,  the  loin 
roached,  his  limbs  would  by  some  be  called  long,  but  they  were  strong 
with  large  joints,  but  fine  ;  his  quarters  straight,  square  and  extended  ; 
thighs  long  and  muscular ;  shoulders  only  moderately  oblique,  and  of 
fair  depth  ;  his  knees  and  hocks  broad  and  well  formed  ;  head  small,  and 
as  will  be  observed  from  its  great  breadth  of  forehead,  Arab-like.  On 
the  whole  it  would  probably  be  difficult  to  improve  the  proportions  of 
Eclipse,  simply  as  a  weight-carrving  racer.  For  the  hunting  field,  the 
fine  saddle  horse,  or  any  of  the  uses  to  which  practical  men  put  their 
W«rse&,  aside  from  flat  racing,  select  as  many  of  the  superior  points  of 


THE   HORSE,   HOW  TO   BUT. 


Jol 


Eclipse  as  you  can  find,  but  leave  out  the  low  withers  and  high  croup. 
The  horse  that  will  come  to  the  standard  that  we  have  given  in  the  dijk 
gram,  is  as  a  rule  the  horse  to  buy. 


IV.    The  Cleveland  Bay  for  Pro6t 

Of  hite  Y«,'iirs  this  admirable  aud  styliiih  horse  as  improved  froir  f** 


162  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

old  farm  horse  of  fifty  years  ago,  has  attractea  attention  in  the  United 
States,  and  especially  in  the  West,  where  many  fair  specimens  have  been 
Imported.  As  showing  the  characteristics  when  standing  extended  and  at 
rest,  we  give  a  portrait  of  a  pure  bay,  in  color,  with  a  star  in  the  fore- 
head, and  one  white  hind  fetlock.  These  dashes  of  white  not  detracting 
from  the  ptyle  of  any  horse,  and  showing  breeding.  It  is  a  horse  show- 
ing blood  and  breeding,  with  lofty  crest,  magnificent  withers,  round  bar* 
veiled,  and  clean  limbed,  a  coat  like  satin,  and  a  head  of  excellent  pro- 
portions. Colts  from  such  a  horse  out  of  large,  roomy  mares  of  good 
«tyle,  will  always  sell  for  high  prices.  When  you  find  such  a  stallion  do 
not  be  afraid  to  buy,  he  will  pay,  and  his  foals  will  pa}'^  for  their  feed  and 
traming. 

The  old  fashioned  horse  of  this  race,  the  Cleveland  bay,  is  extinct  and 
gone.  The  present  form  is  the  result  of  crosses  with  staunch  thorough- 
breds, giving  better  form  throughout,  greater  speed  and  eminent  style. 
We  consider  them  as  among  the  very  best  from  which  to  breed  stylish 
animals  from  proper  mares.  Horses  that  may  do  the  ordinary  farm  work 
until  six  years  past,  and  then  be  sold  at  good  prices  for  stylish  omnibus, 
express,  light  draft,  and  carriage  horses  in  our  cities.  Farmers  who  have 
large,  well  built  mares,  wishing  to  breed  colts  that  shall  have  size  enough 
for  any  farm  or  road  work  ;  that  will  breed  to  uniform  color,  so  that  they 
may  be  easily  matched  ;  that  will  have  style — not  that  of  the  blood  horse, 
or  light  driving,  or  trotting  horse — will  do  well  to  investigate  the  char- 
acteristics of  the  Cleveland  hays.  Canada  has  acquired  a  high  reputation 
for  stylish,  well  matched  coach  horses.  It  is  founded  in  a  gi'eat  measure 
upon  crosses  produced  by  breeding  the  modern  Cleveland  bays  upon  large, 
handsome  mares  of  more  or  less  breeding. 

Such  'horses  if  properly  cared  for  will  do  eight  or  nine  miles  an  hour, 
in  harness,  and  under  the  saddle  may  be  pushed  up  to  twelve  miles  an 
hour ;  are  active  in  all  their  gaits,  tractable,  easily  managed,  intelligent, 
fast  walkers,  always  ready  for  their  feed,  and  as  eager  at  labor,  as  they 
are  kind  and  intelligent  every  M'here.  The  late  Henry  William  Herbert, 
(Frank  Forester),  a  thorough  horseman,  an  accurate  judge  of  horse  flesh, 
and  a  finished  writer,  in  his  voluminous  work,  "The  Horse  of  America,'* 
thus  describes  the  original  Cleveland  bay,  and  also  the  improved  horse  of 
his  time :  "The  Cleveland  bay,  in  its  natural  and  unmixed  form,  is  a  tall, 
powerfully  built,  bony  animal,  averaging,  I  should  say,  fifteen  hand* 
three  inches  in  height,  rarelj'  falling  short  of  fifteen  and  a  half  or  ex- 
ceeding sixteen  and  a  half  hands. 

The  crest  and  withers  are  almost  invariably  good,  the  head  bony,  lean, 
and  well  set  on.  Ewe-necks  are,  probably,  rarer  in  this  family  than  in 
•oy  other,  unless  it  be  the  dray-horse,  in  which  it  is  never  seen. 


THE    HORSE,    HOW   TO    BUY.  163 

The  faults  of  shape  to  which  the  Cleveland  Bay  is  most  liable  are 
narrowness  of  body,  and  flatness  of  the  cannon  and  shank  bones.  Their 
color  is  universally  bay,  rather  on  the  yellow  bay  than  on  the  blood  bay 
color,  with  black  mane,  tail,  and  legs. 

They  are  sound,  hardy,  active,  powerful  horses,  with  excellent  capabili- 
ties for  draft,  and  good  endurance,  so  long  as  they  are  not  pushed  beyond 
their  speed,  which  may  be  estimated  at  from  six  to  eight  miles  an  hour, 
on  a  trot,  or  from  ten  to  twelve — the  latter  quite  the  maximum — on  a 
gallop,  under  almost  any  weight." 

The  large  and  more  show}'^  of  these  animals,  of  the  tallest  and  heaviest 
type,  were  the  favorite  coach  horses  of  their  day  ;  the  more  springy  and 
lightly  built,  of  equal  height,  were  the  hunters,  in  the  days  when  the  fox 
was  hunted  by  his  drag,  unkennelled,  and  run  half  a  dozen  hours  or 
more,  before  he  was  either  earthed  or  worn  out  and  worried  to  death. 
Then  the  shorter,  lower,  and  more  closely  ribbed  up  were  the  road 
hackneys,  a  style  of  horse  unhappily  now  almost  extinct,  and  having 
unequally  substituted  in  its  place  a  wretched,  weedy,  half-bred  or  three- 
quarters-bred  beast,  fit  neither  to  go  the  pace  with  a  weight  on  its  back, 
nor  to  last  the  time. 

From  these  Cleveland  Bays,  however,  though  in  their  pure  state  nearly 
extinct,  a  very  superior  animal  has  descended,  which,  after  several  steps 
and  gradations,  has  settled  down  into  a  family  common  throughout  all* 
Yorkshire  and  more  or  less  all  the  mid-land  counties,  as  the  farm  horse, 
and  riding  or  driving  horse  of  the  farmers,  having  about  two  crosses, 
more  or  less,  of  blood  on  the  original  Cleveland  stock. 

The  first  gradation,  when  pace  became  a  desideratum  with  hounds,  waa 
the  stinting  of  the  best  Cleveland  Bay  mares  to  good  thorough-bred 
horses,  with  a  view  to  the  progeny  turning  out  hunters,  troop  horses,  or, 
in  the  last  resort,  stage-coach  horses,  or,  as  they  were  termed,  machines. 
The  most  promising  of  these  well  bred  colts  were  kept  as  stallions  ;  and 
mares  of  the  same  type,  with  their  dams,  stinted  to  them  produced  the 
improved  carriage  horse  of  fifty  years  ago. 

The  next  step  was  putting  the  half-bred  fillies,  by  thorough-breds  out 
af  Cleveland  Bay  mares,  a  second  time  to  thorough-bred  stallions ;  their 
progeny  to  become  the  hunters,  while  themselves  and  their  brothers  wer« 
lowered  into  the  carriage  horses ;  and  the  half-bred  stallions  which  had 
been  the  getters  of  carriage  horses  were  degraded  into  the  sires  of  the 
new,  improved  cart  horse. 

v.    The  Light  Harness  Horse. 

In  many  cases,  where  the  roads  are  superior,  and  the  animal  is  used  in 
»  vehicle  of  the  lightest  construction,  to  carry  only  one  person,  size  19 


164 


ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 


not  always  necessary.  Very  many  horses  of  fourteen  and  a  half  handa. 
are  exquisitely  handsome  and  cai);il)lc  of  very  fast  work.  One  of  th« 
best  we  ever  knew  was  a  St.  Lawrence  mare  fourteen  hands  hi^h,  that 


v*ry  few  large  horses  could  get  by  on  a  smooth  roaa — the  *'Baby,"  uk 
>ji«  was  called — when  driven  on  a  track,  always  going  as  a  pacer. 


THE    HORSE,    HOW    TO    BUY. 


165 


The  illustration  on  opposite  page  is  of  an  English  light  harness,  two- 
wheeled  turn-out,  a  vehicle  now  occasionally  patronized  by  fast  living 
young  gentlemen.  For  style  of  going,  the  horse  is  as  perfect  as  he  is 
handsome  in  his  make-up,  but  not  showing  the  high  knee  action  consid- 
ered stylish  with  all  two-wheeled  turn-outs. 


o 
o 
o 
o 

•^ 
o 

g 

O 

n 

m 

!»- 
O 
O 

H 

n 
o 


VI.    Saddle  Horses  of  all  Gaits. 

It  has  always  seemed  a  pity  that  farmers    sons  have  not  taken  morb 
kindly  to  the  saddle  than   American  youths  do.     It  is  well  enough  for 


166 


ILLUSTRATED    STQCK    DOCTOR. 


men  of  mature  age  to  favor  the  buggy  or  light  wagon,  but  every  young 
nrin  and  woman  raised  in  the  country  should  be  taught  to  sit  a  horse  per- 
fectly, and  to  manage  him  at  all  gaits.     In  the  South  this  is  the  case,  but 


in  the  North  the  perfect  saddle-seated  rider  is  rarely  found.  Lately, 
;!iorou-hly  trained  saddle  horses  are  much  sought  after  in  our  cities,  and 
..rtainly  there  is  no  place  where  they  may  be  so  perfectly  trained  as  m 


THE    HORSE,    HOW    TO    BUY.  167 

the  West.  Every  respectable  farmer  should  have  at  least  one  well 
trained  saddle  horse  to  sell  when  called  for.  Twelve  months  training 
will  put  them  in  form.  For  good  wear-and-tear,  compact,  able  as  a 
good  leaper,  of  fine  form,  and  undoubted  bottom  for  any  distance,  the 
illustration,  page  165,  will  give  an  idea  of  what  such  a  saddle  horse 
should  be. 

VII.    The  High-bred  Hunting  Horse. 

When  a  long  stride,  great  leaping  powers,  and  ability  to  go  long 
distances  at  high  speed  is  required,  the  horse  should  be  not  less  than 
one-half  to  three-quarters  bred.  A  greater  proportion  even  is  favored  in 
the  South,  where  the  passion  for  hunting  is  only  second  to  that  in 
England.  The  illustration  of  a  horse  of  extra  good  action  as  given  on 
page  166,  will  be  seen  to  combine  size,  indicating  capacity  for  carrying 
great  weight ;  high  breeding,  as  shown  in  the  crest  ani  head  ;  wonderful 
lungs  ;  great  length  of  hip  and  limbs,  and  being  near  perfection  as  possi" 
ble  ;  a  high  caste  horse  that  will  not  fail  his  rider  in  time  of  need. 

VIII.    Racing  Horses. 

There  is  one  more  class  of  saddle  horses  woitny  of  special  notice :  the 
thorough-bred  racing  horse,  the  foundation  upon  which  has  been  built  all 
that  is  valuable  in  every  horse  where  speed,  bottom,  elegance,  and  great 
bone,  sinew  and  muscle  in  every  respect  are  required.  It  is  the  fact  that 
on  the  race  course  there  have  been  schemes  and  tricks  practiced,  probably 
there  always  will  be  those  scandalous  in  the  extreme,  but  frowned  upon 
by  all  breeders  of  respectability.  Among  the  more  respectable  associa- 
tions rules  of  the  most  stringent  character  have  been  drawn,  and  fairly 
lived  up  to.  If  dishonest  jockeying  can  be  still  further  eliminated  the  true 
animus  of  the  turf  may  have  a  bright  future  before  it  in  still  farther 
improving  the  breed  of  staunch  thorough-breds,  capable  of  carrying 
weight,  and  with  bottom  to  get  the  rider  two,  three  and  four  miles  af 
high  speed.  These  are  what  are  really  wanted,  and  not  those  that  at  the 
end  of  a  quarter  or  a  half  mile  are  entirely  blown  and  jaded,  or  as  aa 
Englishman  would  express  it,  quite  *' pumped  out." 

IX.  What  the  Racer  Should  Be; 

The  model  racing  horse  should  be  from  fifteen  and  a  half  to  sixteen 
hands  high,  full  and  muscular  in  his  build,  with  clean,  sound  limbs,  short 
backed,  round  in  the  barrel,  w.ith  long  hips,  deep  and  oblique  shoulders, 


168 


ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 


a  rangy  and  not  too  muscular  neck ;  a  head  fine,  bony  and  with  rathet 
large  muzzle  and  prominent  nostrils,  broad  in  the  forehead,  with  a  full, 
,Wigiit,  but  mild  eye,   denoting  a  high  nervous   temperament,   uniting 


great  courage  with  docility.  The  iiccompan3dng  illustration  will  give  a 
correct  idea  of  a  horse  of  great  speed,  high  courage  and  lasting  power* 
•f  endurance. 


THE   HORSE,  HOW  TO  BUY.  169 

X.   To  Avoid  Vices  and  Defects— How  to  Detect. 

They  are  legion,  and  he  who  at  present  buys  any  horse,  whether  for 
•peed  or  work,  must  be  on  his  guard  against  them.  Among  the  prin-^ 
cipal  disabilities  to  be  guarded  against  are : 

I.--B0NE  SPAVIN,  CURB,  RING-BONE  AND  SPLINTS. — To  detect  the«e 
look  at  the  horse  from  before  and  behind,  for  spavin  and  curb  at  the 
hocks ;  for  ring-bone,  at  the  fetlocks  ;  and  for  splints,  below  the  knee. 
Feel  the  bones  at  all  these  parts  for  tenderness  or  enlargement.  If  they 
appear,  reject  the  horse  instantly.  He  will  be  worthless  as  a  sire,  or  for 
riding  or  driving. 

2. — Stumbling. — Examine  the  knees  to  find  if  they  are  scarred,  or 
show  the  marks  of  previous  injuries,  or  that  have  been  operated  upon  for 
callosities.  Then  walk  him  over  somewhat  rough  ground,  and  at  a  slow 
pace,  with  an  entirely  loose  rein,  to  see  if  he  trips  or  goes  weaker  on  one 
leg  than  on  the  other.  If  he  is  a  stumbler,  he  is  the  most  dangerous 
animal  a  man  can  own,  unless  it  be  a  kicker ;  in  fact,  more  so  than 
the  latter,  since  kicking  may  be  guarded  against,  when  knomng  the  vice. 

3. — Kicking. — If  this  is  suspected,  the  animal  will  lay  back  hia  ears 
if  approached  in  an  apparently  careless  manner,  though  horses  do  this 
sometimes  from  mere  playfulness.  If  they  are  vicious,  they  will  lay 
their  ears  more  completely  back,  and  the  eyes  will  also  denote  theii-  in- 
tention. Examine  the  stall  where  it  is  known  they  have  stood  for 
marks  of  their  hoofs,  and  above  all,  give  the  animal  a  chance  to  show  his 
propensity  when  the  groom  is  not  near. 

4. — Pulling  at  the  halter  or  bridle  when  tied. — Tie  him  up  in  a 
close  yard,  with  a  halter  he  can  easily  break,  leaving  him  quite  alone  for 
about  half  an  hour,  to  exhibit  his  propensity  if  he  will. 

5. — Crib-biting. — If  the  horse  is  a  confirmed  crib-biter,  his  teeth— 
the  central  incisors — will  show  wear  where  he  has  grasped  objects  to  en^ 
able  him  to  get  leverage  to  perform  the  operation.  Tie  him  out  to  a 
stump,  or  at  a  post  about  three  feet  high,  and  watch  him,  no  person 
beino^  in  his  sisrht. 

6. — Balking  and  backing.-  Horses  seldom  balk  under  the  saddle  < 
when  they  do,  they  are  dangerous  in  the  extreme,  often  stopping  sud- 
denly when  under  motion,  or  backing  into  dangerous  places.  It  is  dif- 
ficult to  detect,  for  they  will  sometimes  go  days,  weeks  and  eren 
months  all  right,  and  then  suddenly  show  the  vice.  As  a  rule,  it  ia 
exhibited  by  bad  tempered,  badly  trained  horses.  A  warrant  from  a 
respectable  owner  is  the  best  guarantee.  It  may  sometimes  be  detected* 
if  a  person  strange  to  the  horse  mounts  and  attempts  to  start  him  sud» 


170  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

denly.     In  harness  it  may  often  be  detected  by  the  manner  in  which  the 
animal  starts  and  travels. 

7. — The  Rogue. — The  rogue  is  the  horse  of  vices  ;  he  may  take  the  bit 
in  his  mouth  and  run  away,  he  will  rear,  back,  kick,  strike,  bite,  and  do 
twenty  other  unpleasant  tricks,  not  always  from  pure  vice,  but  often  from 
exhuberance  of  spirits,  or  from  being  crossed  in  some  way.  They  gen- 
erally perform  well  enough  after  they  have  found  out  that  their  rider  is 
their  master.  They  are  difficult  to  detect  in  their  vices,  except  by  the 
thorough  horseman,  who  is  well  versed  in  every  expression  and  act  of  the 
horse. 

8. — BiSHOPED  Teeth. — So  named  from  the  scoundrel  who  invented 
filing  an  old  horse's  teeth  to  make  him  look  young,  even  to  burning  and 
blackening  the  cups  formed.  A  careful  study  of  the  chart  of  the  horse's 
teeth,  given  in  this  book,  will  enable  any  person  to  detect  this,  since  it  is 
impossible  to  cover  the  shrinking  of  the  gums,  by  which  the  teeth  show 
narrow,  and  are  peculiar  in  shape. 

d. — ^Weak  Eyes. — Whatever  the  occasion,  have  nothing  to  do  with  a 
horse  with  bad  eyes.  Bring  the  animal  from  a  rather  dark  stable  just  in- 
side the  door  where  the  full  light  may  strike  the  eyes.  Examine  the  lids 
and  pupils  carefully,  to  see  if  there  is  any  considerable  shrinking ;  the 
eye  should  be  able  to  bear  the  full  light.  Horses  are  sometimes  near- 
sighted, and  also  far  sighted.  Nearly  all  shying  horses  become  so  either 
from  defect  in  vision  or  from  cowardice. 

10. — Moon  Eyes. — This  is  a  specific  ophthalmy,  from  which  one  or 
both  eyes  periodically  change  color,  and  during  the  paroxysm  it  may  be- 
come entirely  blind.  During  the  interval  the  eyes  look  natural.  It  is 
better,  if  the  buyer  suspects  this,  to  take  a  warranty  against  it. 

11. — Blindness. — This  is  sometimes  diflicult  to  detect  by  the  ordinary 
observer  by  looking  at  the  eyes.  In  rare  cases  the  eyes  may  seem  natural. 
A  blind  horse,  however,  may  be  detected  by  his  mode  of  progression. 
As  an  example  we  give  an  illustration  showing  the  mode  of  progression 
oi  a  totally  blind  horse. 

XI.  Other  Faults  and  Imperfections. 

The  disabilities  noticed  in  the  previous  sections  are  those  of  positive 

■usoundness,  or  else  of  determined  vice.     Some  others  that  should  not 

be  overlooked,  are  easily  discovered   by  careful    examination  and  test. 

These  are  : 

1.     Glass  Eye. — This,  if  not  complicated  with  specific  disease,  does 

not  interfere  with  sight  in  any  respect.     It  is  a  serious  defect,  simply  so 

fw  as  looks  are  concerned.     Usually  only  one  eye  has  this  peculiar  white 


THE   HORSE,    HOW    TO  BUY.  171 

glassy  appearance,  the  pupil  perfect,  and  the  iris  quite  natural.     It  should 
affect  the  price  of  the  animal,  only  as  detracting  from  elegance. 


THE  MODE  IN  WHICH   A  HORSE   PROGRESSES  WHEN  BLIND. 

2.  White  Spot. — Sometimes  a  small  white  spot  will  appear  on  tibw* 
eye  of  a  young  horse,  generally  after  three  years  of  age,  and  usually 
near  the  outer  comer.  It  has  a  peculiar  cloudy  appearance,  sometimes 
increasing  to  the  size  of  a  hemp  seed,  and  occasionally  larger.  The  du- 
ration is  variable,  sometimes  lasting  for  years,  and  again  disappearing  in 
a  short  time.  It  really  impairs  the  vision  but  little,  if  any.  Unless  its 
history  is  known  a  veterinary  surgeon  should  decide  whether  it  is  incipient 
cataract  or  not.  Some  veterinarians  have  termed  it  spurious  cataract,  but 
this  is  entirely  a  misnomer.     The  name  white  spot  describes  it  perfectly, 

3.  KoARiNG. — This  is  the  result  of  obstruction  in  some  part  of  th« 
larynx  or  trachea,  impeding  the  breath,  and  causing  a  peculiar  roaring 
sound  when  the  animal  is  in  motion.  It  is  rarely  found  in  the  United 
States,  being  chiefly  confined  to  draft  horses.  It  is  often  the  result  of 
chronic  cough.  In  England  it  is  quite  common,  and  when  present  in  a 
horse  of  fast  work,  will  render  him  worthless  for  the  road.  It  may  b« 
discovered  by  urging  the  horse  to  a  fast  gait. 

4.  Oblique  Tail,  or  Wry  Tail. — This  is  caused  by  contraction  of 
the  muscles  of  the  tail  on  one  side.  It  may  sometimes  be  improved  by 
a  surgical  operation,  and  should  be  considered  a  serious  defect  in  any 
horse,  and  especially  so  in  a  driving  horse. 


172  illustrated  stock  doctor. 

5.  Turning  the  Toe  of  the  Hoof  out  or  in  Unduly,  Sand  Cracks, 
Quarter  Cracks,  Dish  Hoofs,  Over-reaching,  Interfering,  etc.,  are 
all  to  be  looked  for  before  finally  buying  a  horse.  They  are  all  disabili- 
ties that  should  not  be  present  where  the  purchaser  pays  full  price  for 
the  animal.  They  are,  however,  all  so  apparent  that  the  purchaser  is  to 
blame  if  he  fails  to  see  them. 

6.  Wolf  Teeth. — These  rudimentary  teeth,  which  are  found  in  some 
horses  but  not  in  mares,  and  which  have  been  supposed  by  ignorant 
persons  to  produce  blindness,  and  other  diseases,  are  entirely  harmless, 
except  for  the  abrasion  they  sometimes  occasion  to  the  tongue  and  cheeks. 
If  they  do  so  they  are  easily  taken  out  by  any  sensible  blacksmith.  In 
fact  it  is  quite  well  to  extract  them,  not  that  they  will  produce  serious 
disease,  but  simply  because  they  are  not  of  any  value,  are  useless  to  the 
animal,  and  may  occasion  slight  inconvenience. 

7.  Shying. — This  is  one  of  the  most  dangerous  habits  a  horse  can 
have,  whether  it  be  occasioned  by  cowardice  —  seldom  the  case  ;  injudi- 
cious punishment — more  common  ;  or  from  defective  eyesight,  or  from 
all  these  combined.  If  you  are  so  unfortunate  as  to  have  a  shying  horse 
endeavor  to  break  him  of  the  vice  by  allowing  him  to  examine  objects  of 
which  he  is  afraid,  by  speaking  soothingly  to  him,  but  never  by  whipping 
or  spurring  him.  When  he  shows  a  disposition  to  shy  turn  his  head  to 
rather  than  from  the  object.  Stop  him  ;  let  him  approach  the  object  and 
touch  it  with  his  nose,  for  soon  he  will  approach  =it  himself.  If  simply 
caused  by  nervousness,  he  may  thus  be  cured.  If  caused  by  being  short 
sighted  there  is  no  means  of  relief.  Before  you  buy  a  horse  be  certain 
that  he  has  not  this  infirmity,  as  dangerous  a  one  as  it  is  disagreeable. 
Such  an  animal  is  only  fit  to  be  driven  by  the  side  of  another  horse  who 
ivill  keep  him  to  his  work,  and  upon  which  he  at  length  will  come  to 
depend,  or  of  being  driven  as  a  wheeler  in  a  team  of  four  horses. 


CHAPTER  XI. 


HOW  TO  BUY,  CONTINUED. 


BUTING  CHEAP  HORSES. II.  <!OLOR,  IN  RELATION  TO    VAIitTE. HI.  ACTION. >  IT. 

FAST-WALKING  HORSES. V.  WHAT  A  HORSE  SHOULD  BE, VI.  WHAT  CON8TIT0TES 

UNSOUNDNESS. VII.  ILLUSTRATION  OF  FORM  AND  SYMMETRY. ^VUI.  THE  BODY  AND 

LIMBS. IX.  THE  BODY  AS  STANDING  FACING  YOU. X.  FRONT  VIEW  OF  FORE-QUAR- 
TERS,  SHOWING  DIFFERENT  BAD    CONFORMATIONS. XI.   THE  HIND-QUARTERS. XH. 

THE  VIEW  FROM  BEHIND. XIII.  WHAT  NOT  TO  BUY. ^XIV.  BUYINGf  K)R  BLOOD. 


I.     Buying  Cheap  Horses. 

In  the  preceding  chapter  on  this  important  subject  we  have  endeavored 
to  show  some  of  the  principal  points  to  be  considered  in  buying  a  horse, 
especially  those  relating  to  the  use  for  which  they  are  intended.  There 
is  one  rule  that  will  always  apply  in  buying  any  horse.  Never  buy  him 
because  he  is  offered  at  a  price  evidently  far  below  his  worth,  that  is, 
except  it  be  from  a  friend  that  you  can  trust,  who  does  not  want  the 
horse  himself,  and  wishes  to  do  you  a  favor.  These  cases  will  be  found 
very  rare.  In  every  other  case  rest  assured  the  horse  has  some  danger- 
ous ^ace,  or  is  permanently  unsound.  In  this\pountry  never  buy  a  horse 
at  any  price  which  has  any  appearance  of  broken  knees  by  falling. 
Hunting  horses  are  too  rare  here  for  one  to  have  gotten  th€  hurt  in  th« 
field,  and,  accidentally,  by  being  put  at  a  barrier  beyond  his  power. 

Reject  a  horse  with  any  weakness  in  his  eyesight,  unless  you  have  use 
for  a  blind  horse,  then  buy  him  at  a  blind  horse's  price.  A  one-eyed 
horse  may  do  useful,  but  not  elegant  work.  Never  buy  a  lame  horse  at 
ixiy  price,  until  you  are  assured  that  the  disabiUty  is  not  permanent. 

Foot  lameness,  except  it  may  be  from  a  slight  corn,  and  consequently 

173 


174  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

curable,  should  be  an  insuperable  bar  to  purchase.  You  can  never  patci> 
up  a  bad  foot.  Therefore  be  sure  you  always  try  the  intended  purchase 
aa  a  hard  road.  Many  game  horses,  dead  lame  on  hard  roads,  will  get 
along  without  much  flinching  on  soft  roads,  or  the  turf.  If  you  are 
certain  as  to  the  cause  of  the  lameness  and  know  you  can  cure  it,  the 
purchase,  as  a  speculation,  may  do;  but  never  rely  on  "the  assurance  of 
the  horse  dealer.     It  is  his  business  to  sell. 

Never  buy  a  narrow  chested  horse  for  hard  service.  It  shows  weak 
lungs  and  those  liable  to  inflammation.  If  for  saddle,  avoid  a  very  broad 
chested  horse,  though  as  trotters  they  are  sometimes  fast.  The  best  and 
most  perfect  chest  is  a  medium  between  the  narrow  and  broad  chest. 

A  tucked  up  washy  looking  horse  should  be  avoided.  They  may  indeed 
do  for  light  work  or  short  drives,  but  arc  totally  unfit  for  real  work. 

In  buying  avoid  all  defects  in  the  wind ;  be  sure  the  disability  has  not 
been  temporarily  covered  up,  by  special  means  known  to  horse  dealers. 
A  whistler  or  roarer  may  show  no  indication  of  his  infirmity  at  a  slow 
pace,  or  up  to  a  certain  speed.  Beyond  that  it  is  apparent.  Broken 
wind  is  an  incurable  infirmity  and  probably  as  distressing  to  the  horse  as 
the  asthma  is  to  man.  A  horse  may  make  more  or  less  noise  and  yet  not 
have  broken  wind.  Any  indication  of  this,  however,  is  to  be  looked  on 
with  suspicion. 

In  buying  a  horse  his  points  of  excellence  and  infirmity  are  better 
ishown  if  only  in  fair  working  condition  than  when  very  fat.  A  horse 
very  fat  is  pretty  nearly  a  useless  creature  until  his  condition  has  been 
brought  down  to  that  of  bone,  sinew  and  muscle,  with  just  sufficient  fat 
to  lubricate,  so  to  speak,  the  working  parts.  Yet  a  horse  for  slow  draft 
may  be  serviceable  and  carry  far  more  flesh  and  fat  than  one  used  for 
fast  work.  Many  superior  horses  have  been  ruined  by  hard  driving  when 
fat,  or  soft, 

n.     Color  in  Helation  to  Value. 

It  is  a  saying  as  trite  as  it  is  old  that  any  color  is  good  in  a  good  horse. 
Yet  a  horse,  however  good  otherwise,  should  be  invariably  rejected  if  his 
color  is  bad.  For  instance,  it  would  essentially  mark  both  an  ignorant 
and  vulgar  person  who  would  select  a  piebald,  spotted,  or  otherwise 
extraordinary  color  for  a  carriage  horse.  It  would  savor  of  the  rircui* 
or  show  ring. 

As  saddle  horses  for  gentlemen,  self-colors  are  the  best,  and  those  dis- 
tinct. A  star  in  the  forehead  and  two  white  feet  behind  give  character. 
A  snip  in  the  face,  if  large,  is  objectionable.  Four  white  stockings  more 
M>.     Bay,  brown  and  dark  chestnut  are  the  preferable  colors.     If  th» 


THE  HORSE,    HOW    TO    BUY.  175 

horse  is  exceptionably  stylish,  black  and  dapple  gray  are  good  colors. 
Gray  horses  are  often  bad  tempered,  and  black  horses  are  not  as  a  rule, 
docile.  For  ladies'  use  a  dark  cream  color  with  white  mane  and  tail,  or 
that  rare  combination,  a  dark  chestnut  with  darker  tail  and  mane  are  ele- 
gant if  of  good  form.  So  a  strawberry  roan,  if  unexceptionable  in  style 
and  form,  is  elegant. 

For  single  or  double  light  driving,  all  distinct  colors  are  good.  Uneven 
or  curiously  marked  horses  are  allowable  in  a  fancy  team — as  a  mismatch  I 
in  distinct  colors — as  it  is  called.  The  colors  should  be  distinct  and  in 
strong  contrast,  or  else  harmonious.  A  chestnut  and  a  dark  bay  would 
he  harmonious,  and  yet  distinct  colors.  So  would  be  a  chestnut  and  a 
brown  :  a  cream  with  white  mane  and  tail,  and  a  chestnut  with  dark  mane 
and  tail  would  show  a  marked  contrast,  and  yet  be  elegant ;  so  would  be 
cream-colored  horses  so  marked.  A  pure  white  and  a  jet  black  would  be 
the  most  marked  contrast  possible,  and  not  for  a  moment  admissible, 
except  both  were  faultless  in  form  and  style  of  going.  Here  in  fact  is 
where  the  line  art  lies  in  teams  of  two  distinct  colors  :  WTiatever  the 
mismatch  in  color ^  the  team  should  he  as  near  alike  in  form  and  car- 
*'iage  as  possible. 

m.    Action. 

There  are  really  but  two  styles  of  action :  low,  smooth,  safe  action,  and 
high-stepping,  showy  action.  The  latter  of  little  account  except  for 
parade  and  showing  off  on  the  road  in  connection  with  fine  style.  A 
high-stepping  dolt  is  as  unsafe  as  he  is  ungainly.  The  action  that  is 
slow  and  safe,  and  fast  and  safe,  if  combined  in  an  animal  is  invaluable. 

A  horse  with  really  good  action  moves  all  his  limbs  evenly,  and  brings 
his  hind  legs  well  under  him  at  every  movement.  Some  horses  with 
round  action  in  front — paddlers  they  are  called — are  often  staunch  and 
8ure-footed,  but  this  is  in  spite  of  this  action,  not  in  consequence  of  it. 
Horses  that  straddle  behind  are  often  exceedingly  fast  trotters.  Yel 
neither  of  these  movements  are  what  would  be  sought,  either  in  a  fin* 
saddle  horse  or  in  a  good  harness  horse. 

IV.    Pas^walking  Horses. 

We  have  before  stated  that  a  perfect  and  fast  walking  gait  was .  not 
only  indispensable  to  every  horse,  but  the  most  valuable  gait  a  horse 
could  have  for  every  day  use.  Yet  we  seldom  see  a  horse  that  will  walk 
four  and  a  half  or  five  miles  an  hour,  even  when  urged  and  in  regular  1- 
2-3-4  time,  nodding  his  head  harmoniously  in  cadence.  If  a  purchaser 
gets  such  a  horse,  or  one  that  will  do  four  miles  under  the  saddle  with* 


176 


ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 


out  stumbling,  shuffling,  dropping  the  step  or  breaking,  be  sure  you  hav« 
a  good  one  at  speed,  if  he  has  speed,  for  many  great  walkers  are  so 
broad  chested  that  they  cannot  trot  fast,  and  in  galloping  they  will  roll. 


Yet  occasionally  a  horse  will  be  found  good  at  all  gaits.  When  so,  it  is  th% 
result  of  exceptionably  good  form  and  careful  training.  He  who  can  so  train 
»  borse,  may  get  a  long  price  for  his  trouble  and  skill. 


THE    HORSE,    HOW    TO    BUY.  177 

V.    What  a  Horse  Should  Be. 

We  have  been  very  minute  in  stating  the  points  of  perfection  in  a 
horse,  and  have  been  particular  in  urging  that  the  lungs,  limbs  and  feet 
should  be  super-excellent.  In  addition,  and  as  from  one  of  the  best 
authorities,  we  quote  from  the  late  H.  W.  Herbert,  upon  the  physical 
structure  of  the  horse,  before  illustrating  physical  perfection  and  perfect 
conformation.     Mr.  Herbert  says  : 

*'The  points  of  the  physical  structure  of  a  horse  on  which  the  most, 
indeed  the  whole  of  his  utility  depends,  are  his  legs.  Without  his  loco- 
motors all  the  rest,  however  beautiful  it  may  be,  is  nothing  worth. 
Therefore,  to  these  we  look  first.  The  fore-shoulder  should  be  long, 
obliquely  set,  with  a  considerable  slope,  high  in  the  withers  and  thin 
above.  The  upper  arm  should  be  very  long  and  muscular,  the  knee 
broad,  flat  and  bony,  the  shank,  or  cannon  bone,  as  short  as  may  be,  flat, 
not  round,  with  clean,  firm  sinews  ;  the  pastern  joints  moderately  long 
and  oblique,  but  not  too  much  so,  as  the  excess  produces  springiness  and 
weakness  ;  the  hoofs  firm,  erect  or  deep,  as  opposed  to  flat,  and  the  feet 
generally  large  and  round.  In  the  hind-legs  the  quarters  should  be 
large,  powerful,  broad  when  looked  at  in  profile,  and  square  and  solid 
from  behind.  The  hams  should  be  sickle-shaped,  not  straight,  and  well 
'et  down,  so  as  to  bring  the  hocks  well  toward  the  ground.  The  hocks 
should  be  large  and  bony,  straight,  not  angular  and  convexly  curved  in 
.heir  posterior  outlines  ;  the  shanks,  corresponding  to  the  cannon  bones, 
short  and  flat,  and  the  hind  feet  similar  in  form  to  the  front.  The  back 
should  be  short  above,  from  the  point  of  the  withers  and  shoulder-blade, 
which  ought  to  run  well  back  to  the  croup.  The  barrel  should  he  round, 
and  for  a  horse  in  which  strength  and  quickness  are  looked  to  more  than 
great  speed  and  stride,  closely  ribbed  up.  A  horse  can  scarcely  be  too 
deep  from  the  tip  of  his  shoulder  to  the  intersection  of  his  fore-leg — 
which  is  called  the  heart-place  —  or  too  wide  in  the  chest,  as  room  in 
these  parts  gives  free  play  to  the  most  important  vitals.  The  form  of  the 
neck  and  setting  on  of  the  head  are  essential  not  only  to  the  beauty  of 
the  animal,  but  to  the  facility  and  pleasure  of  riding  or  driving  him ; 
\ience,  with  an  ill-shaped,  short,  stubborn  neck,  or  ill  set  on  head,  the 
animal  cannot  by  any  possibility  be  a  pleasant-mouthed  horse,  or  an  easy 
one  to  manage.  The  neck  should  be  moderately  long,  convexly  arched 
above  from  the  shoulders  to  the  crest,  thin  where  it  joins  the  head,  and 
so  set  on  that  when  }d elding  to  the  bit  it  forms  a  semi-circle,  like  a  bended 
bow,  and  brings  the  chin  downward  and  inward  until  it  nearly  touches 
the  chest.  Horses  so  made  are  always  manageable  to  the  hand.  The 
converse  of   this  neck,  which  is   concave  above  and   stuck  out  at  the 


178  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

windpipe  like  a  cock's  wattle,  is  the  worst  possible  form  ;  and  horses  so 
made  almost  invariably  throw  up  their  heads  at  a  pull,  and  the  most  excep-. 
tionable  of  brutes,  regular  star-gazers.  The  head  should  be  rather  small, 
bon}-^,  not  beefy,  in  the  jowl ;  broad  between  the  eyes,  and  rather  concave, 
or  what  is  called  basin-faced,  than  Roman-nosed,  between  the  eyes  and 
nostrils.  The  ears  should  be  tine,  small  and  pointed  ;  the  eyes  large, 
clear  and  prominent,  and  the  nostrils  wide  and  well  opened.  A  horse  so 
framed  cannot  fail,  if  free  from  physical  defects,  constitutional  disease 
and  vice,  to  be  a  good  one  for  any  purpose — degree  of  strength,  light- 
ness and  speed  being  weighed  in  accordance  with  the  purpose  for  which 
he  is  desired." 

VI.    What  Constitutes  TJnsoimdness. 

1. — Spavin,  whether  it  be  bog  spavin,  blood  spavin  or  bone  spavin, 
when  sufficiently  developed  to  be  known. 

2. — Ossification  of  any  of  the  structures  adjacent  to  any  of  the  joints 
and  also  without  doubt  ossification  of  the  lateral  cartilages. 

3. —  Corns  are  considered  as  constituting  unsoundness,  but  they  must 
be  discovered  Avithin  a  short  time,  say  a  few  days  of  the  purchase. 

4. — Curbs  constitute  unsoundness,  but  they  must  be  shown  to  exist 
at  the  time  of  the  sale. 

5. — Founder  or  Laminitis,  is  unsoundness  whether  it  produces  lame- 
ness or  not,  for  if  it  has  existed  the  laminae  will  have  been  injured  and 
the  horse  will  be  lame  when  worked. 

6. — Pumiced  Foot  is  unsoundness  as  evidence  of  laminitis. 

7. — Quittor  may  render  the  horse  permanently  unsound. 

8. — Ring-bones  and  side-bones  constitute  unsoundness. 

9. — A  Nerved  Horso,  is  unsound  as  showing  the  existence  of  disease 
for  which  the  operation  was  performed,  and  also  from  the  division  of 
the  nerves. 

10. — String-Halt  is  unsoundness. 

11. — Thrush  is  so  when  severe. 

12. — Breaking  down,  even  though  the  horse  has  recovered  so  as  not 
to  go  lame. 

13. — Thickening  of  the  Back  Sinews,  or  suspensory  ligament,  if  known 
to  exist,  is  unsoundness. 

14. — Broken  Wind,  Thick  Wind,  Whistling  and  Roaring  are  all  con- 
si  Jered  as  constituting  unsoundness,  as  forming  impediments  in  breatb- 
^  Y,-,  injuring  the  animal  for  drawing  or  other  active  service. 

15. — Farcy  and  Glanders. 

16. — Grease  and  Mange. 


THE    HORSE,    HOW    TO    BUY.  17$ 

17. — Cough ^  if  it  lasts.  A  horse  with  a  chronic  cough  is  cfearly 
Viisound. 

18. —  Megriems,  if  it  can  be  shown  that  the  horse  has  had  an  attack 
before  the  sale. 

19. —  Ophthalmia,  if  it  occurs  soon  after  t\ie  purchase.  The  evidence 
of  a  veterinary  surgeon  may  be  necessary  to  show  the  previous  presence 
of  the  disease. 

20. — Cataract,  however  slight,  constitutes  a  horse  unsound. 

21. — Broken  knees,  when  the  joint  is  injurea. 

There  arc  also  vices  for  which  a  horse  may  be  returned.     These  are : 

1. — Biting,  when  clearly  vicious. 

2. — Bolting,  or  running  away. 

3 . — Crih-biting. 

4. — Kit-king,  when  shown  to  be  viciouo. 

h  .-—Balkiyig . 

Q.-^  Rearing. 

7 — Shying,  when  habitual. 

8. —  Weaving  i7i  the  stable;  that  is,  the  horse  throwing  his  head  and 
body  from  side  to  side  with  a  peculiar  motion. 

VII.  Definition  of  Unsoundness  and  Vice. 

Unsoundness  may  be  considered  to  be  the  existence  of  diseaare  or  alter- 
Ation  of  structure  sufficient  to  impair  the  natural  usefulness  of  the  horse. 
Vice  may  be  defined  as  the  prevalence  of  a  habit  which  interferes  with 
the  natural  usefulness  of  the  horse.  In  unsoundness  or  vice,  however, 
either  must  be  marked,  as  for  instance  the  following  diseases  or  accidents 
would  not  constitute  unsoundness  : 

1 — Slight  bog  spavin;  2 — broken  knee,  when  the  joint  is  not  injured  j 
3 — capped  hocks,  or  elbows  ;  4 — contractions  of  the  fooJ,  unless  the  re- 
sult of  disease,  laming  the  horse  ;  5 — curby hocks;  6 — splints;  7 — thor^' 
ough  pin,  and  8 — thrush,  are  not  unsoundness  in  their  incipient  stage,  or 
in  a  mild  way.  But  the  buyer  should  refuse  all  such  except,  perhaps,  in 
the  case  of  thrush.  9 — Cutting  is  not  unsoundness,  except  the  horse 
be  lame  at  the  time  of  sale,  neither  10 — soreness  of  the  joints  from  labor^ 
or  11,  loindgalls. 

They  are  found  often  upon  colts,  but  if  the  animal  be  lame  reject  him. 
When  a  horse  is  bought  on  warrantee,  it  must  be  written  and  concisely 
so.  Do  not  allow  verbiage  to  cause  litigation.  The  following  form  will 
cover  the  whole  jrround  : 

RueiveA (insert  place  and  date)  of  Mr ^insert  name) DoUats, • 


|gn  IliCSTEATED     STOCK     DOCTOR- 

•U. JUate  ^e).. 

When  filled  out  this  might  read  »s  f oUow^s : 

Reearrd,  5:.  L-y^-ii,  M:..  Msrdi  Ik.  ISSj.  of  Mr.  JoJkM,  Doe,  jix«  kioLdrfd.  ■zc:.<s-t  far  « 
Acy  wktr:  ^«  La^efT.  dsn  L*d%.  V'Sr'SJtzed  "ir*  *ean  uid  «W  mmier  tir  jpecrs,  »aad,  frt» 
from  riit.  fftj:"  :.\jr.  ::  -vf^  -T  iriri.  '  SlCHAKD  Bos. 

This  with  such  carefnl  exanmaticm  as  we  have  advised,  ought  to  insure 
anT  huTO'  against  dai^ar  in  case  the  seD^  is  solvent. 

VTTT.  Uluatxatirans  of  "Foan.  and  Symmetry. 

The  head  of  the  horse  is  the  seat  of  inteDigence,  and  to  the  confornui. 
Mao.  of  the  head  we  must  look  not  only  for  intelligence  but  docility  and 
coorase.  or  the  opposite  character,  as  we  must  look  to  the  teeth  for  indi. 
cations  of  his  age,  to  the  nostrils  as  indicating  his  capacity  for  breathing, 
to  the  muzzle  and  jaw  for  indications  of  capacity  and  feeding,  and  to  the 
eye  and  ear  as  showing  lire,  coox^e,  and  good  temper.  Xo  man's  head  and 
&oe  are  more  expnaatdve  than  are  these  elements  of  a  hocse. 

Speed  and  bottom,  which  means  the  bone  and  mnsde  of  good  bleeding 
whatever  the  £unily  c^  the  hofse  may  be^  is  the  mme  qma  non  desired  in  a 
hmse.  Hi$  missioa  is  labor,  wxwk  of  some  kind,  whether  it  be  carrying 
a  man  on  his  back,  or  trottiii^  to  a  wa^om,  or  banlmg  a  load  throogh  the 
mod.  The  head  of  the  h«se  is,  tfaerefote,  one  of  die  first  things  to  be 
looked  at.  The  extract  we  have  given  a  few  pe^es  back,  fiom  ooe  ^  the 
^Miet  eminent  wriieg*  oi  diis  oooncry  od  the  horse,  will  convey  an  idea  o€ 
what  a  riding  or  driving  horse  should  be.  The  neartf  the  hocse,  for 
genoal  ntOil^,  comes  to  the  illostratioDS  we  have  given,  the  better  be 
willbc. 

The  horse  for  heavy  draft,  while  coarso-,  more  stocky  and  heavier  ::. 
his  firame,  should  eoaSorm  to  the  g^Kial  characteristics  except  that  he 
should  be  more  upv^ht  as  <o  his  shoulders,  and  not  so  flexible  as  to  his 
limbs  ;  then  the  better  wiU  he  be.  In  fact  one  of  the  best  draft  horses 
we  ever  owned  was  a  three  parts  bred  M<»moiEUi  Eclipse,  seventeen  hands 
high,  weishinff  1?5(»  lbs.,  pretty  well  up  on  legs,  and  those  of  exceeding 
flexibilitT.  Bat  when  he  got  down  to  work  he  appeared  to  go  close  to 
the  <nx>und.  This  setting  down  to  work — this  gettinsr  close  to  the  ground 
with  the  bodv,  so  every  bone  and  sinew  may  exert  the  greatest  posable 
lereiage,  is  one  of  the  fine  arts  of  training.  It  really  brings  the  oblique 
Aoulda'  of  the  blood  horse  straight  in  the  collar  a  possibility  few  horse* 
bars  the  knack  of  attaining  natuxallj. 


THE    HORSE,    HOW    TO    BUY.  181' 

Explanation. —  The  illustrations  we  give  on  page  182  show  a  side 
and  front  view  of  heads  of  blooded  horses,  that  may  be  taken  as  a  type  of 
what  should  constitute  as  near  perfection  as  may  be.  Those  on  page  183, 
side  and  front  views  of  heads  are  bad.  By  comparing  them  with  the  text 
the  reader  may  form  a  good  idea  of  characteristics.  Observe  in  the  side 
view,  page  182,  a  fine  head,  tapering  to  muzzle,  the  chin,  the  prominent 
and  yet  bright,  clear  and  soft  eye,  with  a  rather  prominent  brow ;  the 
shape  and  setting  on  of  the  ears  ;  the  strength  of  jaw,  and  at  the  same 
time  its  fineness  ;  how  the  head  is  set  on  to  the  neck,  and  the  fine,  clean, 
muscular  neck  as  well.  In  the  front  view  observe  especially  the  width 
between  the  eyes,  the  eyes  being  in  fact  apparently  at  the  side  of  the 
head,  and  yet  looking  straight  forward.  Observe  the  cheek  bones, 
widening  and  strengthening  the  lower  part  of  the  head  ;  the  temporal 
bones  at  the  side  of  the  eye  ;  and  the  occipital  bone  at  the  top  of  the 
head  between  the  ears.  Especially  observe  the  nostrils  and  lips  as  to 
flexibility  and  size.  Turn  back  the  folds  at  the  end  of  the  nostril,  and  it 
jviV  be  found  you  can  look  clear  into  the  passage,  showing  a  moist  and 
healthy  surface,  or  the  reverse. 

Let  us  now  examine  the  side  and  front  views  of  head  on  page  183. 
The  side  view  at  the  top  shows  a  head  somewhat  heavy  in  character,  the 
nose  %nd  lower  jaw  thick  to  excess.  Observe  the  peculiar  formation  of 
the  nose.  It  is  not  the  dish  face  of  the  first  illustration,  giving  temper, 
accompanied  with  intelligent  obedience.  The  eyebrows  are  prominent, 
the  head  broad,  but  th*^  expression  indicates  not  only  fire  but  malice. 
The  muzzle  is  that  of  a  cruel  horse,  the  intelligence  that  of  self-will. 
The  ears,  although  of  good  shape  and  breeding,  are  thrown  back,  and 
the  head  is  set  on  at  too  great  an  angle  with  the  neck. 

The  figure  to  the  left  shows  the  front  view  of  a  badl}^  formed  head.  It 
wih.  be  noticed  that  it  is  of  nearly  the  same  width  throughout.  The  eyete 
are  placed  very  different  from  those  of  the  front  view  of  good  head  on 
page  182  ;  too  close  together,  and  too  much  in  front.  The  expression 
of  the  eye  shows  a  stubborn  disposition  ,•  the  ears  are  good  enough,  but 
not  held  in  that  position  of  intelligent  action  as  shown  in  the  lower  figure 
on  page  182.     They  are  pointed  too  close  together. 

The  figure  of  the  front  part  of  a  head  to  the  right,  on  page  183. 
shows  a  head  not  badly  formed,  but  the  general  expression  of  the  face 
•hows  doltishness,  and  the  drooping  ears,  and  the  expression  of  the  eyes 
show  not  only  a  cruel  but  a  stupid  disposition. 

The  lower  side  view  of  head  and  neck  on  same  page  shows  a  head  indi 

eating  a  horse  that  will  not  only  be  wild  sometimes,  but  sulky  ;  a  soU 

willed,  obstmate  brute,  deficient  in  intelligence.     The  j:iofile  is  curved^ 

giving  a  Roman  nose ;  the  eyebrows  are  raised,  giving  the  eye  a  wild 
12 


182 


ILLUSTRATKD    STOCK    DOCTOR. 


jjn>  ntONT  yiEW  of  heads— good.  (See  SapUmaMtniU 


THE    TfORSE,    HOW   TO    BUT. 


1S3 


SIDK  AND  FRONT  VIEW  OF  HUADS — BAD.     (See  Explanation). 


184 


ILLUSTRATED    STOCK   DOCTOR. 


e3q)ression,  and  with  the  firm  jaw,  a  stubborn  character.  Following  tk^* 
subject  still  farther,  we  may  find  all  the  gradations  of  character,  including 
the  exhibition  of  nervous  timidity,  fear,  idiocy,  and  even  insanity ;  for 
that  there  are  horses  subject  to  aberration,  from  mere  liallucination  ta 
actual  insanity,  there  is  no  doubt.  The  latter  the  most  dangerous  trait 
in  a  horse,  since  neither  caresses  nor  punishment  can  cure. 


flIDK  VIBW  OF  FORK-QUARTERS,  SHOWING  A  GOOD  SHOULDER.      {See  Explanation.') 

IX.   The  Body   and  Limbs. 

Explanation. — Following   up    the    subject    on    pages     184,  186,  and 
X87,  we  present  side  views,  showing  good  and  bad  fore-quarters.     The 


THE    HORSE,    HOW    TO    BUY.  185 

first  illustration  shows  as  near  perfection  as  may  be  in  the  shoulder  foi- 
staunch  qualities,  good  action  and  a  fast  walk.  The  neck  muscular,  but 
without  superfluous  flesh,  but  with  plenty  of  substance  where  it  joins  th* 
shoulder  ;  the  shoulder  oblique  and  deep  ;  the  shoulder-blade  high,  help* 
ing  to  give  stability  to  the  withers ;  the  breast  prominent,  but  tapering 
down  to  where  the  legs  come  out  of  the  body ;  the  arm  long,  muscular, 
and  yet  tapering ;  the  joints  large,  but  yet  firm  and  compact ;  the  fet* 
locks  of  fair  length  and  yet  flexible  ;  and  the  hoofs  of  good  size,  round, 
of  good  depth,  tough  and  sound.  An  animal  possessing  the  conformation 
as  shown,  will  indicate  a  horse  good  for  any  purpose  where  speed  and 
long  continued  powers  of  endurance  are  required.  While  the  illus- 
trations we  give  are  perfect  of  their  kind,  and  more  valuable  than  any 
written  description  alone  can  be,  yet  the  living  animal  must  be  studied, 
not  only  at  rest,  but  in  motion.  The  harness  horse,  however,  need  not 
have  so  oblique  a  shoulder  as  we  have  shown.  In  fact,  few  horses,  even 
of  the  best  class,  do. 

So  the  trotting  gait,  combining  speed  with  high  action  and  grand  style 
miffht  be  considered  vile  in  a  saddle  horse.  In  fact,  the  saddle  horse 
should  have  a  springy  yet  smooth  motion,  and  except  for  show  on  the 
road,  this  will  be  found  to  be  best  for  fast  and  easy  work  in  harness.  In 
practice  much  of  this  is  often  sacrificed,  in  pleasure  horses,  for  the  sake 
of  mere  style.  The  breeding  of  such  horses  is  a  fine  art,  often  a  costly 
one  ;  yet  those  which  fail  in  the  style  and  action  necessary  to  command 
the  highest  price  as  road  and  saddle  horses,  will  be  found  to  amply  repay 
the  breeding  for  the  general  purposes  of  the  farm  and  for  the  road. 

Explanation. — On  page  186  are  illustrations  showing,  the  upper  one, 
to  the  left,  a  straight  shoulder,  a  heavy  chest,  and  legs  placed  too  far 
under.  The  arm  seems  longer  than  it  is  because  it  lacks  muscularity ; 
the  shanks,  while  not  positively  weak,  do  not  show  due  strength  near  th« 
knee  and  pasterns,  and  are  not  as  strong  as  they  should  be. 

The  upper  figure,  to  the  right,  shows  a  shoulder  as  bad  as  the  prece- 
ding one,  and  also  weak  legs  and  pasterns,  the  length  from  hoof  to  joint 
above  being  too  oreat. 

The  left  hand  figure  at  bottom  of  same  page,  shows  a  shoulder  fairly 
well  placed,  but  with  the  legs  set  too  much  under,  and  the  pasterns  too 
straight.  Such  a  conformation  will  give  the  horse  the  appearance  of 
standing  on  the  toes. 

The  lower  figure  to  the  right,  shows  what  old  age,  hard  work,  abuse, 
or  all  combined,  may  bring  any  animal  to,  that  originally  may  have  been 
not  only  well  bred,  but  of  fair  quality  throughout.  Watch  for  such 
limbs  in  buying,  and  avoid  them. 


ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 


•IDE  VIEW  OF 


FORK-QUARTERS,  SHOWINO  BAD  CONFORMATION.      (See  Explanatiom). 


THE    HORSE,    HOW    TO  BUT. 


187 


MtOKT  VIEW,  SHOWING  BRBAST  ^ND  LIMBS— GOOD.    {See  ExpUmtttim^ 


!§??  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

X.    The  Body  as  Standing  Facing  You. 

The  body  of  the  horse  viewed  in  front  should  present  an  oval  shape, 
squared  off  from  the  arm  or  elbow  joint  in  front  to  the  point  of  the 
shoulder  as  on  page  187.  The  perfect  contour  of  breast,  and  especially  the 
magnificent  muscularity  of  the  arm  is  near  perfection.  The  neck  rising 
grandly  from  the  chest  shows  the  perfect  proportion  of  the  parts  each  to 
the  other  ;  the  knee  and  fetlock  joints  are  strong  and  compact,  gradually 
rounded  to  meet  the  shank  or  leg  and  bones  of  the  pastern  joint.  The 
hoofs  are  staunch,  tough,  strong,  with  nothing  about  them  to  denote  a  flat  foot, 
yet  rather  open  behind,  showing  a  perfect  hoof. 

Let  us  now  examine  the  Ijlood  horse  of  the  present  day  as  quoted 
from  Herbert,  and  also  that  of  the  ancient  Greeks  as  written  upon  by 
Xenophon.  It  will  show  that  in  those  days  the  breeding  of  horses  was  a 
fine  art,  as  was  also  equestrianism  as  exhibited  in  the  exquisite  sculptures 
that  have  come  down  to  us.  Yet  the  quotation  we  make  will  show  that  the 
horse  of  the  Greeks,  useful  and  admirable  as  he  was,  was  what  the  English 
would  call  a  cab  or  Galloway,  with  a  dash  of  thorough  blood,  and  what 
we  would  call  pony  built  with  a  dash  of  thorough  blood — something  in 
fact  like  a  chunky  Morgan  horse.  The  quotation  nevertheless  will  make 
a  good  study  for  the  young  horseman,  and  is  as  follows  : 

* '  We  will  write  how  one  may  be  the  least  deceived  in  the  purchase 
id  horses.  It  is  evident  then  that  of  the  unbroken  colt  one  must  judge 
))y  the  construction,  since,  if  he  have  never  been  backed  he  will  afford  no 
very  clear  evidences  of  his  spirit.  Of  his  body  then,  we  say  it  is 
necessary  first  to  examine  the  feet,  for  as  in  a  house  it  matters  not  how 
fine  may  be  the  superstructure  if  there  be  not  sufficien.t  foundations,  so 
m  a  war  horse  there  is  no  utility,  no,  not  if  he  have  all  other  points  perfect 
but  be  badly  footed.  But  in  examining  the  feet,  it  is  befitting  first  to 
iook  to  the  horny  portion  of  the  hoofs,  for  those  horses  which  have  the 
horn  thick  are  far  superior  in  their  feet  to  those  which  have  it  thin.  Nor 
will  it  be  well  if  one  fail  next  to  observe  whether  the  hoofs  be  upright, 
both  before  and  behind,  or  low  and  flat  to  the  ground ;  for  high  hoofs 
keep  the  frog  at  a  distance  from  the  earth,  while  the  flat  tread  with  equal 
pressure  on  the  soft  and  hard  parts  of  the  foot,  as  is  the  case  with  bandy- 
legged men.  And  Simon  justly  observes  that  well  footed  horses  can  bo 
known  by  their  tramp,  for  the  hollow  hoof  rings  like  a  cymbal  when  it 
strikes  the  solid  earth.  But  having  begun  from  below,  let  us  ascend  to 
the  other  parts  of  the  body.  It  is  needful,  then,  that  the  parts  above 
the  hoofs  and  below  the  fetlocks  (pasterns)  be  not  too  erect,  like  those  of 
the  goat ;  for  legs  of  this  kind  being  stiff  and  inflexible,  are  apt  to  jar 
the  rider,  and  are  more  liable  to  inflammation.     The  bones  must  not. 


THE    HORSE,    HOW    TO    BUY.  189 

however,  be  too  low  and  springy,  for  in  that  case  the  fetlocks  are  liable 
to  be  abraded  and  wounded  if  the  horse  be  galloped  over  clods  or  stones. 
The  bones  of  the  shank  (cannon  bones)  should  be  thick,  for  these  are 
the  columns  which  support  the  body  ;  but  they  should  not  have  the  veins 
and  flesh  thick  likewise.  For  if  they  have  when  the  horse  shall  be 
galloped  over  difficult  ground  they  will  necessarily  be  filled  with  blood, 
and  will  become  varicose,  so  that  the  shanks  will  be  thickened,  and  the 
ekin  be  distended  and  relaxed  from  the  bone  ;  and,  when  this  is  the  case 
it  often  follows  that  the  back  sinew  gives  way  and  renders  the  horse 
lame.  But  if  the  horse  when  in  action  bends  his  knees  flexibly  at  a  walk 
you  may  judge  that  he  will  have  his  legs  flexible  when  in  full  career ;  for 
all  horses  as  the}'^  increase  in  years  increase  in  the  flexibility  of  the  kneo. 
And  flexible  goers  are  esteemed  highly,  and  with  justice,  for  such  horses 
are  much  less  liable  to  blunder  or  stumble  than  those  which  have  rigid, 
unbending  joints.  But  if  the  arms,  below  the  shoulder-blades,  be  thick 
and  muscular  they  appear  stronger  and  handsomer,  as  is  the  case  also 
with  a  man.  The  breast  also  should  be  broad,  as  well  for  beauty  as 
strength,  and  because  it  causes  a  handsomer  action  of  the  fore-legs, 
which  do  not  then  interfere  but  are  carried  well  apart. 

"Again,  the  neck  ought  not  to  be  set  on  like  that  of  a  boar,  horizontally' 
from  the  chest ;  but,  like  that  of  a  game  cock,  should  be  upright  toward 
the  chest,  and  slack  toward  the  flexure  ;  and  the  head  being  long  should 
have  a  small  and  narrow  jaw  bone,  so  that  the  neck  shall  be  in  front  of 
the  rider,  and  that  the  eye  shall  look  down  at  what  is  before  the  feet.  A 
horse  thus  made  will  be  the  least  likely  to  run  violently  away,  even  if  he 
be  very  high  spirited,  for  horses  do  no't  attempt  to  run  away  by  bringing 
in  but  by  throwing  out  their  heads  and  necks.  It  is  also  very  necessary 
to  observe  whether  the  mouth  be  fine  and  hard  on  both  sides,  or  on  one 
or  the  other.  For  horses  which  have  not  both  jaws  equally  sensitive,  are 
likely  to  be  too  hard  mouthed  on  one  side  or  the  other.  And  it  is  bette^ 
that  a  horse  should  have  prominent  than  hollow  eyes,  for  such  an  one 
will  see  to  a  greater  distance.  And  widely  opened  nostrils  are  far  better 
for  respiration  than  narrow,  and  they  give  the  horse  a  fiercer  aspect ;  for 
when  one  stallion  is  enraged  against  another,  or  if  he  become  angry  while 
being  ridden,  he  expands  his  nostrfls  to  their  full  width.  And  the  loftier 
the  crest,  and  the  smaller  the  ears  the  more  horse-like  and  handsome  is 
the  head  rendered  ;  while  lofty  withers  give  the  rider  a  surer  seat,  and 
produce  a  firmer  adhesion  between  the  body  and  shoulders. 

'A  double  loin  is  also  softer  to  sit  upon  and  pleasanter  to  look  upon 
than  if  it  be  single  ;  and  a  deep  side,  rounded  toward  the-  belly,  renders 
the  horse  easier  to  sit,  and  stronger  and  more  easy  to  keep  in  condition  ; 
and  the  shorter  and  broader  the  loin,  the  more  easily  will  the  horse  raLw 


19U  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK   DOCTOR. 

his  fore-quarters  and  collect  his  hind-quarters  under  him  in  going.  These 
points,  moreover,  cause  the  belly  to  appear  the  smaller ;  which  if  it  be 
large  at  once  injures  the  appearance  of  the  animal  and  renders  him 
weaker  and  less  manageable.  The  quarters  should  be  broad  and  fleshy  in 
order  to  correspond  with  the  sides  and  chest,  and,  should  they  be  entirely 
firm  and  solid  they  would  be  the  lighter  in  the  gallop,  and  the  horse  would 
be  the  speedier.  But  if  he  should  have  his  buttocks  separated  under  the 
tail  by  a  broad  line,  with  a  wider  space  between  them,  and  so  doing  he 
will  have  a  prouder  and  stronger  gait  and  action,  and  will  in  all  respects 
be  the  better  on  them.  A  proof  of  which  is  to  be  had  in  men,  who, 
when  they  desire  to  raise  any  thing  from  the  ground  attempt  it  hy 
straddling  their  legs  not  by  bringing  them  close  together." 

XI.  Front  View  of  Pore-quarters,  Showing  Different  Bad  Conformations. 

Explanation. — On  page  191  the  upper  left  hand  figure  shows  the  legs 
fair  to  the  knee,  but  from  thence  down,  bad,  and  with  toes  turned  very 
much  out. 

The  next  figure  on  the  right,  is  very  bad,  the  knees  turned  out  and  th* 
toes  turned  in  ;  a  dangerous  horse,  and  unfit  for  driving  or  riding. 

The  lower  figure  to  the  left  is  as  unsightly  as  possible  ;  the  legs  spreadj, 
weak,  straddling,  and  with  the  toes  turned  out.  Such  a  horse  may  be 
tolerably  sure-footed,  if  carefully  managed,  and  not  hard-driven,  but  one 
never  lo  be  depended  upon. 

The  next  figure  at  right  of  bottom,  is  bad  all  over,  weak-limbed,  knock- 
kneed  and  splay-footed.  A  horse  never  to  be  depended  upon  and  un- 
serviceable in  the  extreme. 

Between  these  there  are  many  gradations,  which  those  who  study  these 
pages  may  profit  by  examining  and  comparing  with  the  front  view  of  a 
perfect  shape  given  on  page  187,  and  which  carried  fully  in  mind  will 
go  a  great  way  in  enabling  one  to  form  a  pretty  accurate  opinion  in  buy- 
ing a  horse. 

XTI.  The  Hind-quarters. 

It  has  been  said  that  the  fore-quarters  of  a  horse  are  simply  to  hold  him 
up,  while  the  hind-quarters  propel  the  machine.  This  in  a  sense  is  true, 
but  a  horse,  however  good  his  hind-quarters  be,  must  not  only  have  the 
fore  limbs  good  enough  to  hold  him  up,  but  to  keep  him  out  of  the  way 
of  the  hind  feet,  and  at  the  same  time  assist  in  propelling  the  body.  In 
fact,  the  whole  animal  should  be  composed  of  parts  working  harmoni- 
ously together,    each     assisting  the  other  while  doing  its    own  work; 


HE    HbRSE,    HOW   TO    BUY. 


191 


iBONT  VIEW  OF  F0RB-QUARTER8,    SHOWING  DIFFERENT  BAD  CONFORMATIONS. 


192 


ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 


nevertheless  the  hind-quarters  are  the  propelling  power,  especially  when 
under  the  gallop.  For  then  the  motion  is  communicated  by  a  succession 
of  Irtaps,  acting  more  in  the  nature  of  a  balance  than  in  walking  or  in 


GOOD  HIND-QUARTERS.    (See  Explanation.) 


Krotting.      In  order  that  the  hind-quarters  may  do  their  work  effectirely, 
there  must  be  a  strong  loin,  ample  and  muscular  quarters,  great  length 


THE    HORSE,    HOAV   TO    BUY.  19S 

of  hip,  strong,  dense  bones,  sinews  like  whip-cord,  strong  joints  and  flat 
and  wide  legs. 

In  order  to  determine  this  the  purchaser  should  observe  first,  looking 
at  him  from  the  side,  whether  he  stands  resting  perpendicularly  on  every 
leg  alike.  The  legs  should  not  be  straddled  outside  of  their  true  position, 
neither  should  they  be  gathered  together,  or  in  horse-men's  phrase,  a» 
though  he  were  trying  to  stand  in  a  half  bushel.  He  should  stand  straight, 
■quare,  and  distinctly  on  every  leg.  If  he  stands  with  the  hind  legs  be^ 
hind  their  true  position,  induce  him  to  move  his  fore  legs  forward,  to 
find  if  such  a  position  gives  him  ease.  Examine  him  as  before  stated  for 
splints,  damaged  back  sinews,  ring-bones  or  side-bones  in  the  fore  limbs ; 
and  in  the  hinder  ones  for  bone  blood  or  bog  spavins,  curbs  or  thorough 
pin,  as  previously  described.  If  he  stands  as  in  the  figure  given  on  page 
192,  and  if  he  is  free  from  blemish,  one  may  go  a  long  way  to  finril 
a  better. 

Examine  especially  whether  the  pasterns,  outline  of  the  hock  joints, 
are  nearly  perpendicular  or  angular,  or  whether  they  present  a  conve:/,' 
curvilinear  protuberance  just  above  the  union  of  the  shank  bone.  If  no»i 
there  will  be  little  danger  of  curb,  or  a  tendency  to  throw  them  out.  H 
the  hocks  are  drawn  in  the  horse  will  appear  cow -hocked,  a  malformatiorv 
as  serious  as  it  is  ungainly,  for  thus  the  animal  will  be  weak.  If  th» 
hind-legs  are  wide  apart  and  the  horse  straddles  in  going  forward,  while 
it  may  not  weaken  his  stride  it  is  not  elegant.  However  true  it  be  that 
some  fast  and  strong  trotters  straddle — as  going  wide  is  termed — this 
should  be  avoided.  The  illustration  on  page  192  will  show  accurately 
good  hind-quarters,  as  those  on  page  194  will  show  bad  ones. 

On  page  194  the  figure  at  the  upper  left  side  would  be  called  fine  and 
in  every  way  good  to  the  inexperienced  buyer.  The  buttocks  are  round 
but  lack  character,  and  the  legs  are  too  straight  and  far  behind. 

The  figure  to  the  right  is  bad  in  every  respect — goose-rumped,  cat- 
hammed,  with  the  legs  thrown  far  back  to  equalize  the  strain ;  the  ankle* 
also  weak. 

The  figure  to  the  lower  left  on  same  page  shows  a  fair  quarter,  but  the 
legs  are  thrown  too  far  forward,  and  the  animal  stands  too  straight  on  th« 
pasterns. 

The  figure  to  the  right  is  really  not  badly  formed  as  to  the  quarter,  but 
the  position  is  cramped  and  bent,  and  the  limbs  badly  placed. 

XIII.   The  View  from  Behind. 

The  view  of  the  horse  as  seen  from  behind  should  show  good  squar« 
quarters,  full  and  perfectly  shaped  gracilis,  as  those  muscles  are  called 


194 


ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 


•IDS  rimw  OF  HiK»  QVAMUs— sij).    (See  Explanation). 


THE    HORSE,  HOW  TO  BUT. 

which  give  the  peculiar  swelling  shape  to  the  inside  of  thigh.  These  should 
be  egg-shaped,  or  rather  should  swell  from  nearly  a  point  below  and  them 
gradually  decrease  in  size  till  lost  to  view  near  the  rump  bone. 


BACK  viBW  OP  HIND  QUARTKR3— GOOD.  (See  Explanation). 

The  outside  muscle  of  the  tibia,  or  great  bone  of  the  leg  above  th* 
knee,  cannot  well  be  too  large.     The  tendons  connecting  with  the  hock* 


ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 


BACK  viKW  OF  HiKi>-<)UABTKBS— BAD.    (See  Explanation). 


THE  HORSE,  HOW    TO  BUY.  197 

dhould  be  strong  and  well  presented  to  view.  The  hocks  large,  firmj 
strong  and  well  knit,  but  smooth  and  free  from  blemish,  as  should  be  th« 
fetlock  joints.  If  the  horse  is  flat-footed  he  has  a  weak  hoof,  which 
should  never  go  with  a  strong  muscular  horse. 

When  the  animal  moves  forward,  observe  that  the  feet  are  lifted 
squarely,  carried  straight  forward,  without  turning  or  straddling.  If  so, 
and  the  conformation  is  as  presented  in  the  rear  view  of  the  horse  on  page 
195,  then  if  you  have  attended  minutely  to  the  other  directions,  and  the 
movement  is  satisfactory,  you  need  not  fear  to  buy  the  horse.  He  will 
not  fail  you  in  time  of  need. 

As  show^ing  defects,  in  various  gradations  and  malformation  in  the 
hind-quarters,  we  refer  the  reader  to  the  figures  on  page  196,  a  study  of 
which  will  enable  the  observer  to  steer  clear  of  splay-footed,  pigeon-toed . 
bow-legged  or  cow-hocked  brutes. 

XIV.  What  Not  to  Buy. 

Never  buy  a  horse  unbroken  or  half  broken,  unless  you  are  thoroughly 
competent  to  train  him,  or  else  have  some  one  to  do  so  on  whom  you 
can  depend.  Never  buy  a  horse  overloaded  with  fat,  expecting  him  to 
remain  so  under  work.  The  first  thing  to  be  done  with  such  a  horse  is 
to  get  him  rid  of  the  superfluous  fat  and  water.  This  takes  time  and 
takes  money.  Besides  you  never  can  know  the  real  defects  of  a  horse 
*'very  fat."  An  ox  or  a  hog  perfectly  fattened,  is  pleasing  to  the  eye. 
They  are  intended  for  succulent  joints  and  steaks,  or  for  hams,  bacon, 
or  pickled  pork.  A  fat  horse,  except  before  the  close  coach  of  some 
wealthy  and  aged  spinster  or  widow,  is  woefully  out  of  place. 

Never  buy  a  horse  because  he  is  big,  unless  you  want  him  for  slow  and 
heavy  draft.  Light  horses  are  for  light  driving.  A  horse  weighing 
eleven  hundred  is  heavy  enough  for  ordinary  driving,  and  generally  bet- 
ter than  a  heavier  one.  A  pair  of  horses  weighing  twenty-four  hundred 
pounds  is  good  enough  for  any  ordinary  work  that  comes,  at*d  heaw 
enough  for  any  city  teaming,  excejjt  when  wanted  as  show  horses  before 
some  brewer's  wagon,  or  as  horses  of  slow  draft  on  heavy  trucks. 

Don't  buy  a  cheap  horse,  expecting  perfection.  The  two  never  yet 
went  together.  Perfect  horses  are  not  so  plenty.  Indeed  they  are  so 
scarce  as  to  be  entirely  beyond  the  means  of  any  except  the  very  wealthy. 
They  are  seldom  seen  even  among  this  class.  In  fact  perfection  lies  only 
in  degree.  A  horse  may  be  measurably  perfect  for  our  purpose,  and  yet 
quite  defective  for  others.  Therefore  buy  a  horse  for  Avhat  you  want, 
and  expect  to  pay  the  honest  price  for  what  you  get.     Again,  unless  you 


198  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

are  a  judge,  buy  of  some  dealer  who  has  a  reputation  to  lose,  and  the 
means  to  back  up  any  guarantee  he  may  make. 

XV.  Buying  for  Blood- 
In  buying  for  fast  work,  buy  blood  every  time,  whether  the  work  de- 
sired is  to  be  trotting  to  the  wagon  or  carrying  the  owner  under  the 
saddle. 

In  buying  blood,  as  a  breeder^  whether  stallion  or  mare,  never  fool 
Away  any  money  on  a  half  or  three-quarters  bred  sire,  expecting  to  get 
high  caste  horses.  "With  a  staunch  thorough-bred  of  trotting  action,  you 
may  successfully  breed  good  trotters  and  workers  on  mares  of  cold  blood, 
if  they  be  of  good  size  and  form  and  are  roomy.  But  for  racing  do  not 
expect  a  cold-blooded  mare  to  bring  a  very  fast  one,  however  good  th« 
^ize,  except  it  may  be  by  chance,  and  a  rare  chance  at  that. 

In  breeding  for  any  purpose  select  the  best  of  the  class.  Staunch 
thorough-breds  for  fast  work  ;  handsome  thorough-breds  for  show  horses. 
For  draft  select  from  families  that  have  been  bred  for  generations  for 
this  work.  Above  all  do  not  buy  horses  and  mares  that  happen  to  strike 
your  fancy,  expecting  to  start  a  new  breed.  Life  would  be  all  too  short. 
U  would  be  far  more  sensible  to  begin  where  the  last  man  left  off. 


CHAPTER  XII. 


BACING,  OB  TUBF  HOBSES. 


KARLT   fllSTORY  OP  THB    KNGLISH    BLOOD    HORSE. HOW  HE    WAS  IMPROVBD.  -  —  THB 

AKKRICAN  BLOOD  HORSK.- CELEBRATED  AMERICAN  HORSES. HISTORY  OT  THEIR 

■PERFORMANCES. 


The  care  taken  in  the  breeding  and  training  of  horses  for  the  chase 
and  for  racing  in  Great  Britain,  extends  back,  according  to  the  best  au- 
thority, to  long  before  this  people  were  converted  co  Christianity ;  in 
fact,  to  long  before  the  Christian  Era.       \ 

Just  when  and  how  horses  were  introduced  into  Great  Britain  is  not 
certain,  but  it  seems  clear  that  they  were  well  known  there  long  before 
the  Roman  conquest,  and  that  they  bred  horses  not  only  for  domestic  pur- 
poses but  also  for  war  and  for  racing,  seems  true,  from  words  in  the 
ancient  British  language,  as  rhediad^  a  race ;  rheda^  to  run — from  the 
Gaulish  language  rheda^  a  chariot,  showing  that  these  words  applied  to 
the  racing  of  horses.  Hence  the  inference  that  horses  came  by  way  of 
Gaul,  and  that  chariot  races  were  anciently  one  of  the  pastimes  of  the 
people. 

The  Romans  found  different  vehicles  in  use  in  Britain,  includinsr  the 
war  chariot.  Youatt  infers  that  from  the  cumbrous  structure  of  the  car, 
the  hardness  of  the  roads,  and  the  furious  manner  in  which  the  drivins 
was  done,  that  the  ancient  British  horses  must  have  been  not  only  active, 
but  powerful  in  a  wonderful  degree  ;  and  he  says  that  Caesar  thought 
them  so  valuable  that  many  of  them  were  carried  to  Rome,  where  they 
were  much  esteemed. 

After  the  evacuation  of  England  by  the  Romans  and  its  occupation  by 
Ihe  Saxons,  increased  attention  was  paid  to  the  breeding  of  English 
horses,  and  after  the  reign  of  Alfred  running  horses  were  brought  thew 

199 


200  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 

from  Germany,  yet  these  should  not  be  understood  as  meaning  racing 
horses  as  the  term  is  now  used.  They  are  supposed  to  have  been  light, 
speedy  horses,  adapted  to  the  chase  or  for  the  roads,  as  opposed  to  the 
heavy  war  horse,  capable  of  carrying  a  man  at  arms  with  his  armor. 

It  does  not  appear  that  until  the  time  of  Charles  I.  horses  were  kept 
exclusively  for  racing.  Yet  even  before  Athelstan's  time  English  horses 
had  come  to  be jprized  on  the  continent,  and  in  Athelstan's  reign  many 
Spanish  horses  were  imported,  showing  clearly  that  so  long  ago  as  this 
the  English  were  fully  alive  to  the  importance  of  the  continued  improve- 
ment of  their  horse  stock. 

William  the  Conqueror  is  recorded  to  have  used  gi-eat  pains  in  improv- 
ing the  horse  stock  of  the  country,  after  the  conquest  of  Great  Britain 
by  the  Normans,  through  the  introduction  of  fine  horses  from  Normandy, 
Flanders  and  Spain ,  and  according  to  Beal  it  would  seem  that  as  early  as 
631  people  of  rank  distinguished  themselves  by  often  appearing  on  horse- 
back, and  from  which  it  would  be  natural  to  infer  that  thus  early  horses 
were  kept  for  pleasure  riding,  since  saddle  horses  are  known  to  have  been 
used  during  the  Roman  occupation  of  Britain,  and  cavalry  horses  long 
before  the  Christian  Era. 

The  first  Arab  horse  would  seem  to  have  been  imported  in  the  reign  of 
Henry  I.,  an  Arab  horse  having,  with  his  accoutrements,  been  presented 
by  Alexander  I.  of  Scotland,  to  the  church  of  St.  Andrew. 

In  the  twelfth  century  a  race  course  was  established  in  London,  at 
what  was  since  called  Smithficld,  and  which  was  also  a  horse  market. 

King  John  paid  great  attention  to  the  importation  of  horses  ;  one  hun. 
dred  chosen  Flemish  stallions  having  been  imported  at  a  single  time. 
Later  it  is  recorded  of  Edward  II.  that  he  purchased  thirty  war  horses 
and  twelve  heavy  draft  horses. 

Edward  III.,  upon  the  occasion  of  buying  fifty  Spanish  horses,  made 
application  to  France  and  Spain  for  safe  conduct  for  them,  and  so  impor- 
tant was  the  horse  stock  of  England  considered  that  the  exportation  of 
stallions  was  forbidden,  and  this  prohibition  was  continued  up  to  and 
during  the  reign  of  Henry  VII. 

In  the  reign  of  Henry  VIII.  it  was  decreed  that  no  stallion  should  be 
allowed  to  run  at  large  on  any  waste  or  common  where  animals  pastured, 
if  under  the  height  of  fifteen  hands,  and  that  all  foals,  fillies  or  marcs 
likely  to  breed  undersized  or  inferior  animals,  should  be  killed  and  bu- 
ried. 

All  the  nobility,  gentry  and  higher  orders  of  the  clergy,  were  compell- 
ed by  an  act  to  keep  a  number  of  horses  proportioned  to  their  rank,  and 
even  a  country  parson,  whose  wife  was  entitled  to  wear  a  French  hood  or 
velvet  bonnet  (no  person  below  a  certain  rank  being  allowed  to  wear  such 


RACING,    OK   TURF    HORSES.  201 

a  hood)  was  obliged  takeep  an  entire  trotting  stallion,  under  a  penalty 
of  twenty  pounds  sterling.  So,  also,  it  was  made  comi^ulsory  that  every 
deer  park  and  rural  parish  should  maintain  a  certain  number  of  full-sized 
mares  and  stallions.  It  is  also  interesting,  as  being  the  first  mention 
made  in  English  history,  that  Henry  VIII.  and  Charles  Brandon,  Duk« 
or  Suffolk,  rode  a  race  in  the  presence  of  Queen  Catharine,  and  that  in 
his  reign  the  first  annual  races  on  a  regular  race   course  were  instituted. 

H.  W.  Herbert,  in  his  work.  The  Horse  of  America,  thus  sums  up 
the  whole  matter  in  relation  to  the  value  of  Oriental  blood  in  England,  in 
the  time  of   Oliver  Cromwell : 

It  is  now  pretty  generally  admitted  that,  whether  Barb,  Turk,  Syrian, 
or  Arab  of  the  *  desert  proper,  all  oriental  blood  has  had  its  share  and 
influence  in  reinvigorating  the  blood  of  the  English  thoroughbred,  and 
giving  to  it  those  peculiar  qualities  which  cause  it,  with  justice,  at  tliis 
day,  to  be  esteemed  the  best,  completest,  and  most  perfect  animal  in  the 
world . 

In  what  degree  these  animals  have  ministered  to  our  now  dominant 
strain,  is  by  no  means  to  be  ascertained ;  but  it  is  to  be  noted  that  most 
of  the  early  imported  foreign  stallions  were  not  Eastern  Arabs. 

During  the  protectorate,  Oliver  Cromwell,  who,  though  he  was  com- 
pelled by  the  necessity  of  conciliating  the  absurd  prejudices  of  the 
Puritans,  to  forbid  racing,  was  yet  an  ardent  lover  of  the  horse,  and  an 
earnest  promoter  and  patron  of  all  that  belongs  to  horsemanship,  pur- 
shased  of  Mr.  Place,  afterwards  his  stud-master,  the  celebrated  "White 
Turk" — still  recorded  as  the  most  beautiful  south-eastern  horse  ever 
brought  into  England,  and  the  oldest  to  which  our  present  strain  refers. 
To  him  succeeds  Villiers,  Duke  of  Buckingham,  his  Helmsley  Turk,  and 
to  him  Fairfax's — the  same  great  statesman  and  brave  soldier,  who 
fought  against  Newcastle  at  Marston — Morocco  Barb. 

And  to  these  three  horses  it  is  tiiat  the  English  race-horse  of  the  old 
time  chiefly  owes  its  purity  of  blood,  if  we  except  the  royal  mares, 
specially  imported  by  Charles  II.,  to  which  it  is — -mythically,  rather  than 
justly — held  that  all  English  blood  should  trace. 

Of  all  succeeding  importations,  those,  which  are  principally  known  and 
referred  to,  as  having  notoriously  amended  our  horse — by  proof  of  sto^k 
begotten  of  superior  qualities,  and  victorious  on  the  turf  through  tong 
generations — but  few  are  true  Arabs. 

We  have,  it  is  true,  the  Darley  Arabian ,  the  Leeds  Arabian,  Honey- 
wood's  White,  the  Oglethorpe,  the  Newcome  Bay  Mountain,  the  Damascus, 
Cullen's  Brown,  the  Chestnut,  the  Lonsdale  Bay,  Combe's  Gray  and  Bell's 
Gray  Arabians  ;  but  what  is  generally  called  the  Godolphin  Arabian,  as 
it  seems  now  to  be  the  prevailing  opinion — his  origin  not  being  actually 


20i  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK   DOCTOB. 

ascertained  —was  a  Barb,  not  an  Arab  from  Arabia  proper.  Against 
these,  again,  we  find  Place's  White  Turk,  D'Arceys  Turk,  the  Yellow 
Turk,  Lister's,  or  the  Straddling  Turk,  the  Byerly  Turk,  the  Selaby 
Turk,  the  Acaster  Turk  ;  Curwen's  Bay  Barb,  Conipton's  Barb,  the 
Thoulouse  Barb,  Layton's  Barb  Mare,  great-great-grandam  of  Miss 
Layton ;  the  Koyal  Mares,  which  were  Barbs  from  Tangier,  and  many 
other  Barb  horses,  not  from  the  Eastern  desert,  heading  the  pedigrees  of 
our  best  horses. 

In  this  connection,  I  would  observe  that  the  very  reasons  for  which  the 
Marquis  of  Newcastle  condemned  the  Markham  Arabian — viz.,  that  when 
regularly  trained  he  could  do  nothing  against  race-horses — on  account  of 
which  condemnation  he  has  received  a  sneer  or  a  slur  from  every  wi'iter 
who  has  discussed  the  subject,  are  those  which,  at  this  very  moment, 
prevent  prudent  breeders  from  having  recourse  to  oriental  blood  of  any 
kind. 

They  cannot  run  or  last  against  the  English  horse.  They  have  not  the 
size,  the  bone,  the  muscle,  the  shape,  if  we  except  the  beautiful  head, 
fine  neck,  thin  withers,  long,  deep  and  sloping  shoulders,  which  are  the 
inevitable  characteristics  of  the  race.  Therefore,  all  men  who  breed  with 
an  eye  to  profit, — and  howsoever  it  might  have  been  in  the  olden  times 
of  the  Turf,  there  are  few  now  who  have  not  an  eye  to  it,  either  as 
hoping  to  win  on  the  turf,  or  to  produce  salable  stocks — prefer  to  put 
their  mares  to  known  English  winning  horses,  proved  getters  of  winners, 
of  unquestioned  bottom  and  stoutness,  rather  than  to  try  stallions  of  the 
desert  blood,  concerning  which  nothing  is  known  beyond  the  attested 
pedigree,  and  the  visible  shapes. 

Farther  our  authority  gives  a  list  of  all  foreign,  and  the  most  celebrated 
native  stallions  which  were  used  for  covering  in  England  in  1730,  or  just 
150  years  ago.     They  are  as  follows  : 

FOREIGN    STALLIONS   IN  1730, 

The  Alcock  Arabian,  the  Bloody  Buttocks  Arabian,  the  Bloody  Shoul- 
dered Arabian,  the  Belgrade  Turk,  the  Bethel  Arabian,  Lord  Burlington's 
Barb,  Croft's  Eg3rptian  horse,  the  Cypress  Arabian,  the  Godolphin  Ara- 
bian, Hall's  Arabian,  Johnson's  Turk,  Litton's  Arabian,  Matthew's 
Persian,  Nottingham's  Arabian,  Newton's  Arabian,  Pigott's  Turk,  the 
Duke  of  Devonshire's  Arabian,  Greyhound,  a  Barb,  Hampton  Court 
grey  Barb,  Strickland's  Arabian,  Wjmn's  Arabian,  Dodsworth,  a  Barb 

NATIVE  STALLIONS    IN  1730. 

Aleppo,  Almanzer,  Astridge  Ball,  Bald  Galloway,  Bartlet's  Childers, 
Basto,  Bay  Bolton,  Blacklegs,  Bolton  Starling,  Bolton  Sweepstakes, 
Cartouch,  Chaunter,  Childers,  Cinnamon,  Coneyskins,  Councillor,  Crab, 
Doctor,  Dunkirk,  Easby  Snake,  Fox,  Foxcub,  Gramme's  Champion,  Grey 


Racing,  or  turf  horses.  203 

Childers,  Grey  Crofts,  Hampton  Court  Childers,  Harleqmr;,  Hartley' • 
Blind  Horse,  Hip,  Hobgobling,  Hutton's  Blacklegs,  Hutton's  Hunter, 
Jewtrump,  Jigg,  Lamprey,  Leedes,  Marricle  Oysterfoot,  Partner,  Royal, 
Shuffler,  Skipjack,  Smale's  Childers,  Soreheels,  Squirrel,  Tifter,  True- 
blue,  Woodcock,  Wyndham. 

The  importation  of  racing  horses  wns,  without  doubt,  first  made  to 
America  in  Virginia  and  Maryland.  Alieady  had  race-courses  been 
established  there  previous  to  1753,  and  during  the  exodus  from  England, 
of  the  Royalists,  to  the  South,  it  is  undoubtedly  true  that  they  brought 
with  them  descendants  of  such  horses  as  were  covering  with  success  ia 
England.  Certain  it  seems  that  quite  early  in  the  eighteenth  century 
there  were  a  considerable  number  of  thoroughbred  horses  from  the  most 
celebrated  English  sires.  That  the  perfect  record  has  not  come  down  to 
us  is  probably  due  to  the  fact  that,  during  the  Revolutionary  war  the 
records  were  either  lost  or  destroyed  between  the  shock  of  contending 
armies. 

Spark  was  owned  by  Governor  Ogle,  of  Maryland,  previous  to  Brad- 
dock's  defeat,  having  been  presented  to  him  by  Lord  Baltimore,  who 
himself  received  him  as  a  gift  from  the  then  PrinciB  of  Wales,  father  to 
George  III.  Spark  was  a  most  celebrated  horse,  and  probably  one  of 
the  first  of  high  distinction  brought  to  America. 

Other  celebrated  horses  early  imported  are  said  to  have  been,  Wilkes' 
old  Hautboy  mare,  afterward  known  as  Miss  Colville.  Governor  Ogle 
also  imported  Queen  Mab,  and  about  1750  Col.  Tasker  brought  to  Mary- 
land  the  celebrated  mare  Selima,  the  progenetrix  of  much  of  the  mightiest 
blood  of  the  country.  In  1752  he  won  [a  sweepstake  of  500  pistoles, 
beating  Col.  Byrd's  renowned  Tryall,  Col.  Taylor's  Jenny  Cameron,  and 
a  mare  owned  by  Col.  Cameron. 

Nearly  about  the  same  time,  there  were  imported  into  Virginia,  Routh's 
Crab,  by  old  Crab,  dam  by  Counsellor,  daughter  of  Coneyskins,  sup- 
posed to  be  in  or  about  1745.  In  1747,  Monkey,  by  the  Lonsdale  Bay 
Arabian,  dam  by  Curwen's  Bay  Barb,  daughter  of  the  Byerly  Turk  and 
a  Royal  mare.  He  was  twenty-two  years  old  when  imported,  but  left 
good  stock.  In  1748,  Roger  of  the  Vale,  afterwards  known  as  Jolly 
Roger,  by  Roundhead,  out  of  a  partner  mare.  Woodcock,  Croft's  Bay 
Barb,  Dicky  Pierson,  out  of  a  Barb  mare.  Roundhead  was  by  Flying 
Childers,  out  of  Roxana,  dam  of  Lath  and  Cade,  by  the  Bald  Galloway, 
out  of  a  daughter  to  the  Acaster  Turk.  Woodcock  was  by  Merlin,  out 
of  a  daughter  of  Brimmer.  Dickey  Pierson  by  the  Dodsworth  Barb  out 
of  the  Burton  Barb  mar-e. 

In  about  1764,  was  imported  Fearnought,  got  by  Regulus  out  of  Stl- 
vertail  by  Whitenose,  grand-dam  by  Rattle,  great  grand-dam  by  th« 


104  ILLUSTRATED     STOCK    DOCTOR. 

Darley  Arabian,  great  great  grand-dam  Old  Child  mare,  by  Sir  Thomas 
Gresley's  Arabian,  great  great  great  grand-dam,  Vixen,  by  Helmsley 
Turk,  out  of  Dodsworth's  dam,  a  natural  Barb.  Regulus  was  ))y  th« 
Ciodolphin  Barb,  dam  Grey  Rol)inson  by  the  Bald  Galloway,  grand-dam 
by  Snake  out  of  Old  Wilkes'  Hautboy  mare.  Rattle  was  by  Sir  H. 
Harpur's  Barb  out  of  a  Royal  mare.  Whitenose  was  by  the  Hall  Ara- 
bian out  of  dam  to  Jigg.  Thus  Fearnought  is  come  of  the  very  highest 
and  purest  blood  in  England,  and  has  left  his  mark  largely  on  the  blood- 
borg©  of  Virginia.  It  is  said  that,  before  his  time,  there  was  little  be- 
yond quarter  racing  in  Virginia,  that  his  progeny  were  of  uncommon 
figure,  and  first  introduced  the  size  and  bottom  of  the  English  race-horse 
into  America.  This  must  be  taken,  however,  cum  grano  salts,  as  it  is 
evident  from  what  has  been  stated  in  regard  to  Selima,  that  four-mile 
racers  were  the  fashion  in  Maryland  at  least  fifteen  years  before  that 
date,  and  it  is  only  to  be  understood  in  the  case  of  second-rate  racers, 
that  quarter  running  was  in  vogue  at  this  period. 

These  capital  horses  were  shortly  followed  by  Morton's  Traveller,  who 
♦v^as  i)robably  got  by  Partner,  a  grandson  of  the  Byerly  Turk,  and  gi'and- 
sire  of  King  Herod ,  dam  by  the  Bloody  Buttocks  Arabian  ;  grand-dam 
by  Grey-hound,  a  Barb  ;  g.  grand  dam  by  Makeless  ;  g.  g.  g.  dam  by 
Brimmer ;  g.  g.  g.  g.  dam  by  the  White  Turk ;  g.  g.  g.  g.  g.  dam  by 
Dodsvvorth,  a  Barb ;  g.  g.  g.  g.  g.  g.  dam  Laydon  Barb  mare. 

Makeless  was  by  the  Oglethorpe  Arab  out  of  Trumpet's  dam.  She 
was  a  pure  Barb  by  Dodsvvorth  out  of  the  Layton  Barb  mare.  Brimmer 
was  by  the  Yellow  Turk  out  of  a  royal  mare. 

These  were  probably  the  best  early  horses  that  were  imi^orted  into 
America  ;  and  to  these,  with  the  mares  Selima,  Queen  Mab,  Jenny  Cam- 
•eron,  Kitty  Fisher,  Miss  Colville,  and  a  few  others  of  about  the  same 
period,  may  ])c  traced  all,  or  almost  all  the  families  of  running  horses 
now  existing  in  the  United  States,  in  a  greater  or  less  degree,  and  with 
nearly  as  much  certainty  as  the  English  champions  of  the  olden  day  may 
be  followed  up  to  imported  Arab  and  Barb  on  both  sides. 

This  being  most  interesting  history,  we  quote  from  The  Horse  of  Amer- 
ica, to  show  how  much  the  United  States  is  indebted  to  the  South  for  the 
foundation  of  its  mighty  racers  of  the  present  day,  and  owing  undoubt- 
edly to  the  great  interest  the  old  planters  of  the  South  and  their  de- 
scendants have  taken  in  field  sports.     The  record  is  as  follows  : 

In  Virginia,  Col.  John  Tayloe,  Messrs.  Hoomes,  Selden  and  Johnson; 
in  Maryland,  Governors  Ogle,  Ridgely,  Wright,  Lloyd  and  Sprigg,  who, 
as  it  has  been  remarked,  seemed  by  their  practice  to  acknowledge  that 
the  keeping  up  of  a  racing  stud  was  a  portion  of  their  gubernatorial 
«iuty ;  and  in  South  Carolina,  Messrs.  Hampton,  Washington,  McPher- 


RACING,   OK   TURF    HORSES.  20-^ 

son,  Alston  and  Singleton,  were  as  early,  and  have  continued  to  be  as 
constant  and  undeviating  patrons  of  the  American  turf,  as  have  the 
Queensburjs,  Rutlands,  Wyndhams,  Bentincks,  Fitzwilliams,  and  other 
equally  renowned  turf  names,  been  supporters  of  this  noble  sport  on  the 
old  English  greensward. 

From  so  early  a  date  as  that  of  the  ante-revolutionary  cracks  and 
champions,  such  as  Celer,  Traveller,  Yorick,  Tryall,  Ariel,  Partner,  Marc 
Antony,  Regulus,  Flag  of  Truce,  Goode's  Brimmer,  Butler's  Virginia 
Nell,  Bel  Air,  Calypso,  Gray  Diomed,  Cincinnatus,  Virago,  Shark,  Black 
Maria,  by  Shark,  Leviathan,  Gallatin,  Fairy,  Cup-bearer,  Collector, 
Amanda,  Ball's  Florizel,  Post  Boy,  Oscar,  Hickory,  Maid  of  the  Oaks, 
Bond's  First  Consul,  Sir  Archy,  Potomac,  Pacolet,  Duroc,  Hampton, 
Tuckahoe,  and  others,  the  names  of  which  alone  would  fill  a  volume,  >re 
can  easily  bring  down  in  these  States — and  the  others  colonized  from 
them,  both  with  men  and  horses,  such  as  Kentucky,  Tennessee,  and  more 
recently  Alabama — one  uninterrupted  and  stainless  succession  of  noble 
racers,  to  the  day  when  the  descendants  of  Sir  Archy,  that  veritable  Go- 
dolphin  Arabian  of  the  Turf  of  America,  began  to  show  upon  the  course 
—and  when  the  renown  of  American  Eclipse  began  to  call  the  attention 
of  the  whole  world,  and  of  the  mother  country  most  of  all,  whence  was 
derived  that  transcendent  stock,  which  in  all  other  countries  has  degene- 
rated, but  in  this  has  continued  to  rival  the  honors  of  its  remotest  ances- 
try by  the  performance  of  American  race  horses. 

As  being  of  value,  we  give  also  the  history  and  pedigrees  of  som*  of 
the  most  celebrated  horses  of  the  days  succeeding  the  revolutionary  war. 
They  are : 

First  INIedley — Imported  into  Virginia  in  1783,  by  Gimcrack,  dam 
Arminda  by  Snap,  out  of  Miss  Cleveland  by  Eegulus  ;  g.  gr.  dam  Midge, 
by  a  son  of  Bay  Bolton  ;  g.  g.  gr.  dam  by  Bartlett's  Childers  ;  g.  g.  g« 
gr.  dam  by  Honejrwood's  Arabian ;  g.  g.  g.  g.  gr.  dam  the  dam  •  of  the 
two  True  Blues.  Gimcrack  was  by  Cripple,  out  of  Miss  Elliott,  by 
Grisewood's  Partner,  gr.  dam  Celia  by  Partner,  g.  gr.  dam  by  Bloody 
Buttocks,  g.  g.  gr.  dam  by  Greyhound,  g.  g.  g.  gr.  dam  Brocklesby 
Betty. 

Cripple  was  by  the  Godolphin  Arabian,  out  of  Blossom  by  Crab,  gv. 
dam  by  Childers  out  of  Miss  Bel  voir,  by  Grantham. 

Medley  was  one  of  the  best  sires  ever  imported  into  America.  He  got 
Atalanta,  Bel  Air,  Boxer,  Calji^so,  Gray  Diomed,  Gray  Medley,  Lamp- 
lighter, the  Opossum  Filly,  Pandora,  Quicksilver,  Virginia,  and  others — ■ 
racers  in  a  high  form,  and  themselves  the  getters  of  racers. 

Second  Shark — Foaled    in    1771,  and    imported    into    Virginia  by 


20(5  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

Marske,  out  of  the  Sniip  mare,  gr.  dam  Wag's  dam,  by  Marlborough, 
out  of  a  natural  Barb  mare. 

Marske,  sire  of  Eclipse,  was  by  Squirt,  dam  by  Foxcub,  gr.  dam.  by 
Oneyskins,  g.  gr.  dam  by  Button's  Gray  Barb. 

Squii-t  was  by  Bartlett's  Childers,  dam  by  Snake,  gr.  dam  Hautboy. 
Marlborough  was  by  the  Godolphin  Arabian,  dam  large  Hartley  mare. 

Shark's  most  distinguished  progeny  are :  Americus,  Annette,  Black 
Maria,  dam  of  Lady  Lightfoot,  Opossum,  Shark,  Virago,  and  many 
others. 

Third  Diomed — Foaled  in  1777.  Imported  into  Virginia  1798.  He 
was  by  Florizel,  dam  by  Spectator,  gr.  dam  by  Blank,  g.  gr.  dam  by 
Childers,  g.  g.  gr.  dam  Miss  Belvoir,  by  Grantham. 

Florizel  was  by  Herod,  dam  by  Cygnet,  gr.  dam  Cartouch,  g.  gr.  dam 
Ebony  by  Childers,  g.  g.  gr.  dam  old  Ebony  Basto  mare. 

Herod  was  by  Tartar,  out  of  Cypron,  by  Blaze,  out  of  Selima,  &c.  &c. 

IWomed  is  probably  the  greatest  sire  of  the  greatest  winner-getters  ever 
brought  into  this  country.  Had  he  got  none  but  Sir  Archy,  out  of  im- 
ported Castianira — who  brought  him  to  America  in  her  belly — that  re- 
nown alone  would  have  been  more  than  enough ;  for  scarce  a  recent 
horse  in  England,  unless  it  be  PotSo's,  has  so  distinguished  himself  as  a 
progenitor. 

He  begot  Bolivar,  Diana,  Dinwiddle,  Duroc,  Florizel,  Gallatin,  Grac- 
chus, Hamlintonian,  Hampton,  Hornet,  King  Herod,  Lady  Chesterfield, 
Madison,  Marske,  Nettle-top,  Peace-maker,  Potomac,  Primrose,  Sir  Ar- 
chy, Top-gallant,  Truxton,  Virginius,  Wonder,  and  many  others.  Most 
of  the  horses  named  above  were  the  greatest  runners  of  their  day,  and 
the  getters  of  the  greatest  racers  and  sires  to  the  present  time.  Boston, 
prooably  the  very  best  horse  that  ever  ran  on  American  soil,  was  by  Ti- 
moleon,  grandson  of  Sir  Archy,  the  best  son  of  Diomed  ;  while  Fashion, 
the  very  best  mare  that  ever  ran  on  this  side  the  water,  by  her  dam.  Bon- 
nets of  Blue,  daughter  of  Reality,  was  great-granddaughter  of  that  same 
noble  stallion  ;  and  by  her  grandsire  Sir  Charles,  sire  of  Bonnets  and  son 
of  Sir  Archy,  was  also  his  great-granddaughter,  a  second  time,  in  the 
maternal  line. 

Fourth  Gabbriel — Foaled  1790,  imported  into  Virginia,  was  got  by 
Dorimant,  dam  Snap  mare,  gr.  dam  by  Shepherd's  Crab,  g-  gr.  dam. 
Miss  Meredith  by  Cade,  g.  g.  gr.  dam  Little  Hartley  mare. 

Dorimant  was  by  Otho,  dam  Babraham  mare,  gr.  dam  Chiddy  by 
Hampton  Court  Arabian,  out  of  the  Duke  of  Somerset's  Bald  Charlotte. 

Otho  was  by  Moses,  dam  Miss  Vernon  by  Cade,  gr.  dam  by  Partner, 
g.  gr.  dam  Bay  Bloody  Buttocks,  g.  g.  gr.  dam  by  Greyhound,  g.  g.  g. 
ffr.  dam  by  Makeless,  g.  g.  g.  g.  gr.  dam  by  Brimmer,  g.  g  g.  g.  g.  gr. 


BACING.    OU   TURF    HORSES.  207 

dam  by  Place's  "White  Turk,  g.  g.  g.  g.  g.  g.  gr.  dam  by  Dodsworth,  g. 
g.  g.  g.  g.  g.  g.  gr.  dam  Layton's  violet  Barb  mare. 

Moses  was  by  the  Chedworth  Foxhunter,  dam  by  the  Portland  Arabian, 
gr.  dam,  the  dam  of  the  Duke  of  Bridge  water's  Star,  she  by  Richard's 
Arabian. 

Gabriel  was  brought  into  Virginia,  and  became,  like  the  preceding 
horses,  very  famous  for  splendor  of  his  get  and  their  great  performances. 

He  got  Oscar,  Post  Boy,  and  others.     The  former  of  whom,  dam  by4 
imp.  Medley,  bred  by  General  Tayloe,  is  his  most  celebrated  son.     He 
was  a  good  runner,  and  his  blood  tells  in  many  of  our  best  modern  stal- 
lions and  mares,  especially  in  the  Southern  States. 

Fifth  Bedford — Foaled  in  1792,  imported  into  Virginia.  He  was 
got  by  Dungannon,  dam  Fairy,  by  Highflyer,  gr.  dam  Fairy  Queen  by 
Young  Cade,  g.  gr.  dam  Routh  s  Black  Eyes  by  Crab,  g.  g.  gr.  dam  the 
Warlock  Galloway,  g.  g.  g.  gr.  dam  by  the  Byerly  Turk. 

Dungannon  was  by  Eclipse  out  of  Aspasla,  by  Herod,  gr.  dam  Doris 
by  Blank,  g.  gr.  dam  Helen  by  Spectator,  g.  g.  gr.  dam  Daphne  by  the 
Godolphin  Arabian,  g.  g.  g.  gr.  dam  by  Fox,  g.  g.  g.  g.  gr.  dam  by 
Childers,  g.  g.  g.  g.  g.  gr.  dam  by  Makeless,  g.  g.  g.  g.  g.  g.  gr.  dam, 
Sister  to  Honeycomb  Punch,  by  the  Taffolet  Barb. 

The  year  of  Bedford's  importation  is  r^ot  exactly  known.  He  was  a 
great  stallion,  and  there  is  hardly  a  family  of  horses  in  the  Southern 
States  which  do  not  in  some  degree,  more  or  less,  partake  of  his  blood. 
He  was  a  singularly  formed  horse — a  rich  bay — with  a  peculiar  elevation 
on  his  rump,  amounting  in  appearance  to  an  unsightliness,  if  not  to  an 
absolute  deformity.  This  mark,  known  as  the  Bedford  Hump,  he  has 
transmitted  to  his  posterity,  and,  whatever  may  have  been  the  original 
opinion  as  to  its  beauty,  it  has  been  worn  by  so  many  celebrated  winners, 
that  it  has  come  of  late  to  be  regarded  as  a  foreshadowing  of  excellence, 
rather  than  a  deformity.  It  has  been  worn  by  Eclipse,  Black  Maria,  her 
brother,  Shark,  Boston,  Argyle,  and  many  other  horses  of  great  note. 

Bedford  got;  ^olus,  Cup-Bearer,  Fairy,  Lady  Bedford,  Lottery, 
Nancy  Air,  Shylock  and  others  not  inferior  in  repute. 

On  the  first  settlement  in  Tennessee,  previous  to  its  admission  as  t 
State  into  the  Union,  the  early  settlers  began  taking  with  them  excellent 
stock  from  Virginia  and  Maryland,  and  the  blood  of  Janus,  Jolly  Roger, 
Morton's  Traveller,  Pacolet  and  other  worthies  of  the  olden  times,  still 
percolates  in  rich  luxuriance  through  the  veins  of  their  noble  steeds.  It 
has  been  always  a  gallant  and  a  sporting  State ;  and  I  feel  proud  and 
happy — the  rather  that  the  history  of  the  blood  stock  of  Tennessee  and 
of  the  neighboring  State  of  Kentucky  is  nearly  identical — to  be  allowed 
the  opportunity  of  presenting  to  my  readers  a  most  valuable  memoir  of 


208  ILLUSTRATED   STOCK   DOCTOR. 

the  blood  of  its  best  equine  families,  considerately  and  kindly  compiled 
for  me  from  his  own  memoranda  of  old  times,  and  from  personal  recol- 
lection of  events,  even  beforp  General  Jackson  and  his  contemporaries 
were  on  the  turf,  by  a  veteran  turfman  and  a  hereditary  breeder,  Mr. 
"William  Williams — to  whom  I  take  this  occasion  of  tendering  my  most 
grateful  and  respectful  thanks. 

Bace  Horses  at  the  North. 

Prior  to  the  Revolution  there  was  a  course  for  racing,  near  New  York, 
about  the  centre  of  the  county,  called  Newmarket,  and  one  at  Jamaica 
called  Beaver  Pond.  As  early  as  the  year  1800  courses  were  established 
at  Albany,  Poughkeepsie  and  Harlem,  New  York.  On  these  tracks 
purses  of  from  one  to  four  miles  were  contended  for.  In  1804  an  organ- 
ization was  formed  extending  for  five  years.  The  Newmarket  course  was 
remodeled,  and  regular  races  were  held  in  May  and  October  of  each  year, 
at  which  purses  were  contended  for  at  four,  three  and  two  mile  heats. 

Among  the  celebrated  horses  of  that  time,  some  of  which  have  left 
their  impress  to  this  day,  were  Tippoo  Sultan,  Hambletonian,  Miller's 
Damsel  and  Empress.  Among  these,  as  worthy  of  especial  mention, 
were  Hambletonian,  as  the  progenitor  of  mighty  trotting  stock.  Miller's 
Damsel  as  the  dam  of  American  Eclipse,  and  Ariel,  whose  granddamwas 
this  gray  mare  Empress.  American  Eclipse  was  the  king  of  the  Amer- 
ican turf  of  his  day,  and  Ariel  may  certainly  be  said  to  have  been  the 
queen,  since  out  of  fifty-seven  races  she  was  forty-two  times  the  winner, 
seventeen  of  them  having  been  four  mile  heats.  They  both  of  them  may 
be  said  to  rank  with  the  best  race  horses  of  any  age  or  country. 

The  pedigree  of  Eclipse  may  be  summed  up  in  the  language  of  Frank 
Forrester,  as  follows  :  American  Eclipse,  bred  by  Gen.  Coles  of  L.  I., 
foaled  1814  ;  was  got  by  Duroc,  his  dam  the  famed  race  mare  Miller's 
Damsel,  by  imported  Messenger,  out  of  the  imported  Pot8os  mare  ;  her 
dam  by  Gimcrack.  Duroc,  bred  by  Wade  Mosely,  Esq.,  of  Powhatan 
county,  Virginia,  foaled  1809  :  was  got  by  imported  Diomed,  out  of  Mr. 
Mosely's  "extraordinary  race  mare  Amanda,"  by  Col.  Tayloe's  famed 
gray  Diomed,  son  of  imported  Medley.  Thus  far  Eclipse's  pedigree  is 
unquestioned;  for  the  balance  see  American  Turf  Register,  p.  50,  vol. 
4.  Of  Sir  Charles  Bunbury's  Diomed,  imported  into  Virginia  1799,  hav- 
ing filled  the  measure  of  his  glory,"  nothing  more  need  be  said.  Mes- 
senger, foaled  1788,  imported  about  1800  into  Pennsylvania,  was  also  a 
race  horse  of  repute  at  Newmarket;  he  won  some  good  races,  and  lost 
but  few.  He  was  a  gray,  of  great  substance  ;  was  got  by  Mambrino,  a 
very  superior  stallion,  his  dam  by  Turf,  son  of  Matchem,  Regulus — Star- 
ling— Snap's  dam.  See  English  Stud  Book,  and  American  Eclipse's  ped- 
vgree  in  full,  American  Turf  Register,  p.  51,  vol.  4. 


RACING,    OR   TURF    HORSES.  209 

Of  Ariel  we  find  the  following:  Ariel's  pedigree  is  worthy  of  her 
performances.  Her  own  brothers — Lance,  a  year  older  than  herself,  a 
distinguished  runner  that  beat  the  famous  Trouble,  a  great  match — 
O'Kelly,  that  beat  Flying  Dutchman,  Mary  Randolph,  and  others,  with 
»uch  eclat  as  to  bring  $5,000 — and  St.  Leger  in  the  great  sweepstake  in 
Baltimore,  where  he  was  so  unaccountably  beaten,  but  has  since  beat 
Terror — her  own  sister  Angeline,  and  half-brother  Splendid,  by  Duroc, 
that  was  beaten  at  three  years  old,  in  a  produce  match,  by  Col.  Johnson,* 
Medley — are  all  well  known  to  fame.  Her  grandam  Empress,  has  also 
been  regarded  one  of  the  most  renowned  race  nags  and  brood  mares  of 
the  North.  October,  1804,  at  four  years  old,  she  very  unexpectedl}* 
beat  the  famous  First  Consul,  for  the  Jockey  Club  purse,  four-mUe 
heats,  at  Harlem,  N.  Y.     The  first  race  he  lost. 

Besides  combining  the  three  valued  crosses  of  Herod,  Matchem,  and 
Eclipse,  it  will  be  observed  Ariel's  pedigree  is  "richly  imbued  with  the 
best  English  blood  ;"  to  which  she  traces  almost  directly  from  Childers, 
Partner,  Crab,  Snap,  Cade,  Spark,  Othello,  Gimcrack,  Mambrino,  Med- 
ley, PotSos,  Messenger,  Baronet,  Diomed,  &c.  ;  besides  deriving  her  de- 
cent from  the  best  early  importations.  No  other  stock  probably  par- 
takes so  much  of  the  Messenger  blood — ^no  less  than  four  crosses  ;  with 
two,  not  very  remote,  from  English  Eclipse,  two  from  Gimcrack,  two 
from  imported  Pacolet,  and  three  from  imported  Spark.  Her  color  sus- 
tains her  valuable  origin — running  so  much  into  the  Arabian  blood. 

Black  Maria  was  another  of  the  wonderful  performers  of  the  early 
part  of  the  century,  having  been  bred  by  Charles  Henry  Hall,  Harlem, 
N.  Y.,  and  foaled  June  15,  1826.  She  was  sired  by  American  Eclipse, 
dam  Lady  Lightfoot  by  Sir  Arch}^  gr.  dam  Black  Maria,  by  imported 
Shark ;  g.  gr.  dam  the  dam  of  Ving't  un,  by  Clackfast,  a  half-brother 
to  Medley,  by  Gimcrack ;  g.  g,  g.  dam  Burwell's  Maria,  by  Regulus. 

Of  her  dam,  Lady  Lightfoot,  Frank  Forrester  says  she  was  the  most 
distinguished  racer  of  her  day,  having  won  between  twenty  and  thirty 
races,  the  majority  at  four-mile  heats,  and  never  having  been  beaten  but 
once,  except  in  her  old  age — her  eleventh  year — and  then  by  Eclipse,  on 
the  Union  Course.  She  was  bred  by  the  late  Col.  JohnTaloe  of  Va.  and 
was  foaled  at  Mr.  Ogle's  seat,  Bel-air,  Md.,  in  June,   1812. 

Among  the  wonderful  racers  of  forty  years  ago,  Boston  and  Fashion 
will  always  be  remembered  as  the  two  mighty  examples  of  staunch 
prowess  and  well-deserved  fame. 

Boston  was  foaled  in  1833,  bred  by  John  Wickham,  Esq.,  Richmond, 
Va.  His  sire  was  the  celebrated  Timoleon,  out  of  an  own  sister  of 
Tuckahoe,  by  Ball's  Florizel ;  her  dam  by  imported  Alderman,  out  of  a 
mare  by  imported  Clackfast ;  her  gr.  dam  by  Symmes'  Wildair,  &c. 


21U  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 

He  was  a  chestnut  with  white  hind  feet  and  a  strip  in  his  face,  15  1-2 
hands  high,  rather  short  limbed,  somewhat  flat  sided,  but  of  immense 
substance,  and  his  baciv  a  prodigy  of  strength.  From  1836  to  1841  he 
ran  thirty-eight  times  and  won  thirty-five  races,  twenty-six  of  which 
were  four  mile  heats  and  seven  three  mile  heats.  His  winnings  were 
$41t,500,  and  his  earnings  as  a  breeding  stallion  in  1841,  $4,200,  making 
a  total  ot  $53,700. 

Fashion  was  bred  by  William  Gibbons,  Esq.,  of  Madison,  N.  J.,  and 
was  foaled  April  26,  1837.  Of  this  mare  it  is  recorded  that  it  would  be 
difficult  to  sit  down  over  the  Stud  Book  and  compile  a  richer  pedigree 
than  hers,  and  the  same  remark  will  apply  to  Boston.  Each  is  descended 
from  the  most  eminently  distinguished  racing  families  on  the  side  of  both 
sire  and  dam,  that  have  figured  on  the  Turf  for  a  hundred  years. 
Fashion  was  got  by  Mr.  Livingston's  Imp.  Trustee,  out  of  the  celebrated 
Bonnets  o'  Blue  by  Sir  Charles,  and  she  out  of  Reality — "the  very  best 
race-horse,"  says  Col.  Johnson,  "I  ever  saw."  Reality  was  got  by  Sir 
Archy,  and  her  pedigree  extends  back  through  the  imported  horses  Med- 
ley, Sentinel,  Janus,  Monkey,  Silver-Eye  and  Spanker,  to  an  imported 
Sp>-nish  mare.  Trustee,  the  sire  of  Fashion,  was  a  distinguished  race- 
horse in  England,  and  sold  at  3  yrs.  old  for  2,000  guineas  to  the  Duke 
of  Cleveland,  after  running  3d  in  the  race  for  the  Derby  of  101  sub- 
scribers. He  was  subsequently  imported  by  Messrs.  Ogden,  Corbin  and 
Stockton.  Trustee  was  foaled  in  1829,  and  was  got  by  Catton  out  of 
Emma,  by  Whisker,  and  combines  the  blood  of  Hermes,  Pipator,  and 
Sir  Peter,  on  his  dam's  side,  with  that  of  Penelope,  by  Trumpator,  and 
Prunella,  by  Highflyer,  on  the  side  of  his  sire.  Trustee  is  not  a  chance 
horse ;  in  addition  to  other  winners  of  his  family,  in  1835,  his  own 
brother,  Mundig,  won  the  Derby  of  128  subscribers. 

In  her  three  year  old  form  she  won  three  of  the  races  she  ran  and  lost 
one,  being  beaten  by  Tyler  after  winning  the  second  heat.  In  her  four 
year  old  form  she  ran  and  won  three  races,  one  at  two  miles,  one  at  three 
miles  and  one  at  four  miles. 

Later,  the  palm  of  victory  rested  upon  horses  bred  west  of  the  Alle- 
ghanies  and  south  of  the  Ohio  river.  Among  the  celebrated  ones  were 
Lexington,  got  in  1851  by  Boston  out  of  Alice  Carneal.  Lecompte,  by 
Glencoe,  out  of  Reel.  Pryor,  by  Glencoe,  out  of  Gypsy,  own  sister  to 
Medoc,  by  American  Eclipse. 

Still  later,  and  within  the  last  ten  years,  the  laurels  of  southern  bred 
racers  on  various  tracks  in  America  and  Enghftid,  are  too  well  known  to 
need  recapitulation. 

As  showing  English  and  American  views  on  the  speed  of  race  horses 
of  twenty  years  ago,  really  the  palmy  days  of  the  turf,  and  which  con- 


RACING,   OR  TURF   HORSES.  211 

tinued  up  to  the  late  war,  Stonehenge,  from  an  English  point  of   view, 
says ; 

By  an  examination  of  the  racing  time-tables  as  recorded  of  late  years, 
it  will  be  seen  that  from  13  1-2  to  14  seconds  per  furlong  is  the  highest 
rate  of  speed  attained  in  any  of  our  races,  above  a  mile,  and  with  8  st. 
7  lbs.  carried  by  three-year-old  horses.  In  1846,  Surplice  and  Cymba 
won  the  Derby  and  Oaks,  each  running  the  distance  in  2m.  48s.,  or  ex- 
actly 14  seconds  per  furlong.  This  rate  has  never  since  that  time  been 
reached ;  the  Flying  Dutchman  having  however,  nearly  attained  it,  but 
failing  by  two  seconds — making  his  rate  14  seconds  and  one  sixth  per 
furlong.  But  the  most  extraordinary  three-year-old  performance  is  that 
of  Sir  Tatton  Sykes  over  the  St.  Leger  Course,  1  mile,  6  furlongs,  and 
132  yards  in  length,  which  he  ran  in  3  minutes  and  16  seconds,  or  at  a 
rate  of  as  nearly  as  possible  13  1-2  seconds  per  furlong.  "With  an  addi- 
tional year  and  the  same  weight,  this  speed  has  been  slightly  exc4.eded 
by  West  Australian,  even  over  a  longer  course,  as  .at  Ascot  in  1854, 
when  he  defeated  Kingston  by  a  head  only ;  running  two  miles  and  four 
furlongs  in  4m,  and  27s.,  or  as  nearly  as  possible  at  the  rate  of  13  1-2 
seconds  and  one- third  per  furlong.  This  performance  is  the  best  in 
modern  days,  considering  the  weight,  the  age,  and  the  distance  ;  and  it 
will  compare  very  favorably  with  the  often-quoted  exploit  of  Childers 
over  the  Beacon  Course  in  1721,  when,  being  six  years  old,  he  beat  JLl- 
manzor  and  Brown  Betty,  carrying  9  st.  2  lbs.,  and  doing  the  distance  in 
6m.  40s.,  or  at  the  rate  of  14  seconds  and  one-third  per  furlong.  Thus, 
allowing  him  his  year  for  the  extra  mile  in  the  course,  and  for  the  21bs, 
which  he  carried  above  the  Kingston's  weight,  he  was  outdone  by  the 
latter  horse  at  Ascot  by  one  second  per  furlong,  and  likewise  by  West 
Australian  at  the  usual  allowance  for  his  age.  Again  ;  comparing  these 
performances  on  the  English  Turf  with  the  recently  lauded  exploits  of 
the  American  horses,  it  will  be  found  that  there  is  no  cause  for  the  fear 
lest  our  antagonists  in  the  "go-ahead"  department  should  deprive  us  of 
our  laurels.  On  the  2d  of  April,  1855,  a  time-match  was  run  at  New 
Orleans  between  Lecomte  and  Lexington,  both  four  years  old,  in  which 
the  latter,  who  won,  did  the  four  miles,  carrying  7  st.  51bs.,  in  7m.  19 
3-4s.,  or  as  nearly  as  may  be,  13  3-4  seconds  per  furlong.  This  is  con-, 
sidered  by  the  Americans  the  best  time  on  record,  and  is  undoubtedly  a 
creditable  performance  ;  though  when  the  light  weight  is  taken  into  ac- 
«ount,  not  so  near  our  best  English  time  as  would  at  first  sight  appear. 
On  the  14th  of  April,  Brown  Dick  and  Arrow  ran  three  miles  over  th« 
same  course  in  5m.  28s.,  or  at  the  rate  of  13  seconds  and  two-thirds  ipot 
furlong ;  the  former  a  three-year-old,  carrying  6  st.  2  lbs.,  and  the  latter 
five  years  old,  6  st.  12  lbs.     Thus  it  will  appear  that  Kingston,  of  th« 


^12  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

game  age  as  Aitow,  and  carrying  9  st.  instead  of  7  st.  12  lbs.,  ran  2  1-2 
miles  at  a  better  rate  than  Arrow  did  his  3  miles,  by  one-third  of  a  sec- 
ond per  furlong.  And  it  has  been  shown  that  in  the  year  last  past,  two 
horses  exceeded  the  greatest  performance  of  the  olden  times  by  a  second 
per  furlong,  and  beat  the  best  American  time  of  modern  days  by  one- 
third  of  a  second  per  mile.  The  assertion,  therefore,  that  our  present 
horses  are  degenerated  in  their  power  of  staying  a  distance  under  weight, 
is  wholly  without  foundation  ;  since  I  have  shown  that,  even  taking  the 
time  of  the  Childers'  performance  as  the  true  rate,  of  which  there  is 
some  doubt,  yet  it  has  recently  been  beaten  very  considerably  by  West 
Australian  and  Kingston.  Many  loose  assertions  have  been  made  as  to 
the  rate  of  the  horse,  for  one  mile  in  the  last  century,  but  there  is  not 
the  slightest  reliance  to  be  placed  upon  them.  That  any  race-horse  ever 
ran  a  mile  within  the  minute,  is  an  absurd  fiction :  and  it  is  out  of  the 
question  to  suppose  that  if  Childers  could  not  beat  our  modern  horses 
over  the  Beacon  Course,  he  could  beat  them  a  shorter  distance.  Stout- 
ness was  undoubtedly  the  forte  of  the  early  race-horses  ;  they  were  of 
small  size,  very  wiry  and  low,  and  could  unquestionably  stay  a  distance, 
and  could  race  month  after  month,  and  year  after  year,  in  a  way  seldom 
imitated  in  these  days  ;  but  that  they  could  in  their  small  compact  forms 
run  as  fast  in  a  short  spin  as  our  modern  three-year-olds,  is  quite  a  fal- 
lacy ;  and  no  racing  man  of  any  experience  would  admit  it  for  a  moment. 
The  size  and  shape  of  the  modern  thoroughbred  horse  are  superior  to 
those  of  olden  days,  if  we  may  judge  by  the  portraits  of  them  handed 
down  to  us  by  Stubbs,  who  was  by  far  the  most  faithful  animal  painter 
of  the  eighteenth  century.  In  elegance  of  shape  we  beat  the  horses  of 
that  day  very  considerably,  more  especially  in  the  beauty  of  the  head 
and  the  formation  of  the  shoulders,  which  have  been  much  attended  to  by 
breeders.  In  size,  also,  there  has  been  an  immense  stride  made,  the 
average  height  of  the  race-horse  having  been  increased  by  at  least  a  hand 
in  the  last  century.  This  enlargement  is,  I  believe,  chiefly  due  to  the 
Godolphin  Arabian,  who  was  the  sire  of  Babrahara,  the  only  horse  of 
his  time  M^hich  reached  16  hands,  and  sire  and  grandsire  of  several  which 
were  more  than  15  hands,  much  above  the  average  height  of  horses  at 
that  time — as  for  instance.  Fearnought,  Genius,  Gower,  Stallion,  Infant, 
Denmark,  Bolton,  Cade,  Club,  Lofty,  and  Amphion.  Indeed  it  will  be 
found,  by  an  examination  of  the  horses  of  that  time,  that  out  of  1.30 
winners  in  the  middle  of  the  eighteenth  century,  there  were  only  18  of 
the  height  of  15  hands  and  upwards,  of  which  11  were  by  Godolphin  or 
his  sons,  three  descended  from  the  Darly  Arabian,  two  from  the  Byerly 
Turk,  and  two  from  other  sources.  It  may  therefore  be  assumed,  with 
some  degree  of  probability,  that  the  increase  in  size  is  in  great  measure 


RACING,   OR   TURF   HOR8ES.  21  :j 

due  to  the  Godolphin,  in  addition  to  the  extra  care  and  attention  which 
the  horse  has  received  during  the  same  time.  Nevertheless,  all  the  care 
and  forcing  in  the  world  will  not  increase  the  size  of  some  breeds  ;  and 
unless  there  was  this  capability  of  being  forced,  no  amount  of  attention 
would  have  brought  the  horse  to  the  present  average,  which  may  be 
placed  at  about  15  hands  3  inches. 

In  relation  to  the  comparisons  of  speed  between  English  and  American 
race  horses,  the  Spirit  of  the  Times^  New  Yord,  sums  up  the  matter, 
and  gives  a  list  of  the  most  renowned  racers  of  England  and  America, 
which  we  append  : 

It  will  appear,  on  a  critical  examination  of  the  subject,  that  there  is 
not  much  difference  in  the  powers  of  the  best  race-horses  for  more  than 
a  century ;  a  period  during  which  they  have  been  brought,  upon  both 
sides  of  the  Atlantic,  to  the  present  high  state  of  perfection.  Within  the 
last  two  years  have  been  exhibited  faster  running  in  England,  by  Wewt 
Australian  and  Kingston,  and  in  this  country,  by  Lexington  and  Lecomte, 
than  was  ever  before  known.  The  two  last  have  run  four  miles,  and 
four-mile  heats,  faster,  in  either  case,  than  has  been  performed  in  Eng. 
land.  **  Stoneheuge,"  who  has  been  well  endorsed  in  England,  has  showi.. 
"the  absurd  fiction"  of  *'a  mile  within  a  minute;"  and  that  there  n 
' '  not  the  slightest  reliance  to  be  placed  upon  the  many  loose  assertion?  " 
— such  as  the  reported  accounts  of  Childers  ;  and  that  he  and  Eclipse 
were  a  distance  better  than  any  other  horses  that  have  appeared,  or  that 
they  *' could  beat  any  other  a  half-mile  in  four  miles!"  On  the  same 
authority,  it  appears  that,  in  the  fastest  Derby,  St.  Leger,  and  Ascut  cup 
races,  as  won  by  Surplice,  the  Flying  Dutchman,  Sir  Tatton  Sykes,  Don 
John,  and  West  Australian,  the  distance  varying  from  one  mile  and  a 
half  to  two  miles  and  a  half,  that  the  fastest  rate,  with  English  weights, 
has  been  a  little  over  one  minute  and  forty  seconds  per  mile.  We  have 
no  authentic  report  that  the  mile  has  been  run  in  England  under  one 
minute  and  forty-two  seconds,  the  time  of  Henry  Perritt  at  New  Orleans. 
Nominally  of  the  same  age,  three  years  old,  and  with  the  same  weight, 
86  lbs..  Inheritor,  at  Liverpool,  ran  two  miles  in  3.25  ;  which  is  at  the 
rate  per  mile  of  1-42  1-2.  "  Stonehenge,"  referring  to  what  he  con- 
siders the  best  race  ever  run  in  England,  states  that  West  Australian, 
four  years  old,  carrying  the  St.  Leger  weight,  8  st.  6  lbs. — 118  pounds — 
•'defeated  Eangston  by  a  head  only,"  the  latter  five  years  old,  carrying 
9  St. — 126  pounds — running  two  and  a  half  miles  in  4,27,  '<or  as  nearly 
as  possible,  13  1-2  seconds  per  furlong."  "This  performance,  the  best 
of  modern  days,  considering  the  weight,  the  age,  and  the  distance,  will 
compare  very  favorably  with  the  often  quoted  exploit  of  Childers,  in 
1721,  at  Newmarket,  when  six  years  old,  carrying  9  st.  2  lbs.--*.28  lbs; 


214  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

he  did  the  distance,  three  and  a  half  miles,  in  6.40,  or  at  the  rate  of  Ih 
seconds  and  one-third  per  furlong."  ''Thus  allowing  Childers  his  year 
for  the  extra  mile  in  the  course,  and  for  the  two  pounds  which  he  carried 
above  Kingston's  weight,  he,  Childers,  was  outdone  by  Kingston  at 
Ascot,  by  one  second  per  furlong,  and  likewise  by  West  Australian, 
at  the  usual  allowance  for  his  age."  "Kingston,  of  the  same  age  as 
Arrow,  and  carrying  9  st.  instead  of  6  st.  2  lbs. — 100  pounds — ran  two 
and  a  half  miles  at  a  better  rate  than  Arrow,  in  his  race  with  Brown 
Dick,  did  bis  three  miles,  by  one-tliird  of  a  second  per  furlong,"  But 
Arrow's  was  «  race  of  three-mile  heats,  the  second  heat  in  5.43  1-2. 
Lexington,  nominally  four  years  old,  carrying  103  pounds,  ran  four  miles, 
also  at  New  Orleans,  in  7.19  3-4.  or,  as  nearly  as  maybe,  13  3-4  seconds 
per  furlong,  at  the  rate,  for  four  miles,  of  less  than  1.50  per  mile. 

The  often  quoted  exploit  of  Eclipse,  of  England,  was  that  he  ran  four 
miles,  carrying  168  pounds,  in  eight  minutes. 

With  these  data  before  them,  it  is  left  for  others  to  draw  their  own 
deductions  of  the  relative  merits  of  West  Australian,  Childers,  Eclipse, 
and  Lexington,  at  the  distances  they  ran,  varying  from  two  and  a  half 
miles  to  four. 

Some  among  us  believe  that  Lexington  and  Lecomte  were  rbout  as  fast 
and  as  good  race-horses  as  have  ever  appeared  in  England.  Undoubtedly 
they  could  ' '  stay  a  distance ' '  about  as  well  as  any  horse  that  has  run 
anywhere,  having  run  two  heats,  of  four  miles,  in  7.26,  and  7.38,  and 
the  third  mile  of  the  second  heat  in  1.47. 

It  would  be  difficult  to  institute  a  fair  comparison  between  the  race- 
horses of  England  and  America,  the  systems  of  racing  being  so  different 
in  the  two  countries.  With  the  exception  of  the  light  weights,  adoj^ted 
by  us  for  convenience,  the  modes  and  rules  of  our  turf  are  nearly  the 
same  as  they  were  in  England  the  last  century.  Li  England,  since  that 
period,  the  mode  of  racing  has  been  essentially  changed ;  heavy  weights, 
even  for  two  and  three-year-olds,  at  short  distances,  rarely  beyond  two 
and  a  half  miles  ;  no  longer  races  of  heats  ;  the  great  events  being  for 
*'baby  horses,"  two  and  three-year-olds,  instead  of  horses^  as  formerly. 
They  rarely,  nowadays,  reach  maturity  in  England.  Priam,  Touchstone, 
Harkaway,  and  Rataplan,  are  to  be  regarded  as  exceptions  to  a  rule. 
Childers  and  Eclipse  were  not  introduced  upon  the  turf  until  five  year* 
old,  an  age  at  which  the  most  distinguished  horses  rarely  run  in  these  days. 

The  elastic  turf  and  the  straighter  shape  of  the  English  race-courses, 
better  adapt  them  to  speed  than  our  circular  "race-tracks,"  that  are 
;vh.'iily  denuded  of  turf.  Therefore  a  fair  comparison  of  English  and 
A  nieri'ian  race-horses  cannot  be  made  by  time  as  the  test ;  one,  too,  that  is  not 
"E^  lii  05  high  esteem  in  England,  but  is  frequently  disregardpd. 


RACING,   OR  TURF  HORSES.  215 

Rather  a  long  catalogue  is  here  presented  of  the  best  race-horses  of 
England  and  of  this  country,  which  might  be  extended.  Those  now  or 
lately  upon  our  turf  are  omitted,  as  some  doubts  might  be  entertained  of 
their  comparative  merits.  Of  those  furnished,  who  will  agree  as  to  the 
pre-eminence  of  any  two  of  them  ;  at  least,  to  place  any  six  above 
^e  rest? 

MOST  RENOWNED  ENGLISH  AND  AMERICAN  HORSES. 

1715*,  Childers ;  1718*,  Partner;  1748*,  Matchem  ;  1749*,  Regulus 
%nd  Mirza,  by  the  Godolphin  Arabian  ;  1749*,  Spectator  ;  1750*,  Snap  ; 
1758*,  Herod;    1764*,  Eclipse,  by  Marske ;    1771*,  Shark,  by  Marske  ; 

^773*,  PotSos,   by  Eclipse;    *,  Saltram,  by  Eclipse  ;    1777*t,Dio- 

med;  1782t,  Trumpator;  1784t,  Sir  Peter;  1790t,  Waxy;  1792t, 
Hambletonian  ;  1796t,  Sorcerer;  1798t,  Eleanor  ;  1798t,  Orville  ;  1807t, 
Whalebone;  1816,  Sultan;    1822,  Camel;  18271,  Priam,  by  Emilius  t  ; 

1831t,  Plenipotentiary,  by  Emiliusf  ;  1831t,  Touchstone  ;  f,  Queen 

of  Trumps  ;   1 »  Bay  Middleton  ;    1 »  Flying  Dutchman  ;    ., 

Harkaway;    f,  Don  John;  1»  Sir  Tatton  Sykes ;    fj  West 

Australian  ;  ,  Kingston  ;    1801*,  Florizel ;    1812,  Potomac  ;  1813*, 

Sir  Archy  ;  1812,  Lady  Lightfoot,  by  Sir  Archy  ;  1812,  Vanity,  by  Sir 
Archv;  1813,  Reality,  by  Sir  Archy ;  1813*,  Timoleon,  by  Sir  Archy; 
1814,  Virginian,  by  Sir  Archy  ;  1815,  Sir  Charles,  by  Sir  Archy  ;  1820, 
Bertrand,  by  Sir  Archy ;  1801,  Maid  of  the  Oaks,  by  Imported  Spread 
Eagle;  1801,  Floretta,  by  Imported  Spread  Eagle  ;  1801,  Postboy,  by 
Imported  Gabriel;  1801,  Oscar,  by  Imported  Gabriel;  1801,  Hickory; 
1808,  Duroc  ;  ,  Sir  Solomon  ;  1814,  American  Eclipse  ;  1820,  Flirt- 
ilia  ;    ,  Monsieur   Tonson ;    ,    Sally  Walker;    ,   Ariel,   by 

American  Eclipse  ;  Medoc,  by  American  Eclipse  ;    ,  Fanny,  by 

American  Eclipse  ;  ,  Lady  Clifden  ;  ,  Doubloon,  by  Imported 

Margi-ave  ;  ,  Blue  and  Brown  Dick,  by  Imported  Margrave  ;  1833, 

Boston  ;    1837,  Fashion  ;  1839,  Peytona  ;    ,  Trifle,  by  Sir  Charles  ; 

— ^,  Andrew,  by  Sir  Charles  ;    ,  Wagner,  by  Sir  Charles  ;    , 

Grey  Eagle. 

Another  view  of  the  comparative  merits  of  race-horses  that  were  not 
contemporaries  is  presented  by  time  on  the  same  course,  and  with  the 
aame  weight,  or  the  relative  weight  for  age. 

It  has  been  showm  lately,  that  on  the  Charleston  Course,  at  three  and 
four-mile-heats,  in  the  races  won  by  Nina,  Highlander,  Jefferson  Davis, 
and  Frank  Allen,  nearly  the  same  time  has  been  made  ;  besides  the  coro» 
parison  between  that  of  Bertrand  and  Floride. 

♦Boston's  ancestors.  fDerby  and  St.  Leger  wlsnen. 


2]  6  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR 

On  the  Union  Course,  New  York,  the  fastest  four-mile  heats  were  a» 
follows : 

Fashion,  5  years,  111  lbs.,  and  Boston,  9  3'ears,  126  lbs.,  7.32  1-2 
—7.45. 

Tally-ho,  4  years,  104  lbs.,  and  Bostona,  5  years,  111  lbs.,  7.33 — 7.43. 

Fashion,  aged,  123  lbs.,  and  Peytona,  5  years,  117  lbs.,  7.39 — 7.45. 

Eclipse,  9  years,  12€  lbs.,  and  Henry,  4  years,  108  lbs.,  7.37  1-2 
—7.49. 

Eed-Eye,  8  years,  126  lbs.,  and  One-Eyed  Joe,  6  years,  117  lbs.,  7.52 
—7.39. 

Lady  Clifden,  4  years,  101  lbs.,  and  Picton,  3  years,  90  lbs.,  Picton 
winning  first  heat,  7.44—7.43  1-2—7.56  1-2. 

Principles  of  Breeding. 

In  relation  td  the  principles  and  practice  of     breeding    for    the    turi 
and   for  general  purposes,    Stonehenge    on   British  Rural  Sports,  than 
whom  none   could  be  more  competent  to   advise,  and  although  written 
from  an  English  stand-point  is  applicable  to  any  country  or  conditions 
The  author,  in  an  essay  holds  the  following : 

THE    PRINCIPLBS    AND    PRACTICE    OF    BREEDING    FOR    THE    TURF    AND    FOB 

GENERAL  PURPOSES. 

Before  proceeding  to  enlarge  upon  the  practical  management  of  the 
breeding  stud,  it  will  be  well  to  ascertain  what  are  the  known  laws  of 
generation  in  the  higher  animals. 

The  union  of  the  sexes  is,  in  all  the  higher  animals,  necessary  foi 
reproduction  ;  the  male  and  female  each  taking  their  respective  share. 

The  office  of  the  male  is  to  secrete  the  semen  in  tiie  testes,  and  emit  it 
into  the  uterus  of  the  female,  where  it  comes  in  contact  with  the  ovun> 
of  the  female — which  remains  sterile  without  it. 

The  female  forms  the  ovum  in  the  ovary,  and  at  regular  times,  varying 
in  different  animals,  this  descends  into  the  uterus  for  the  purpose  of 
fructification,  on  receiving  the  stimulus  and  addition  of  the  sperm-cell  of 
the  semen. 

The  semen  consists  of  two  portions — the  spermatozoa^  which  have  an 
automatic  power  of  moving  from  place  to  place,  by  which  quality  it  is 
believed  that  the  semen  is  carried  to  the  ovum  ;  and  the  sperm-cells, 
which  are  intended  to  co-operate  with  the  germ-cell  of  the  ovum  in  form- 
ing the  embryo. 

The  ovum  consists  of  the  germ-cell,  intended  to  form  part  of  the 
embryo, —  and  the  yolk,  which  nourishes  both,  until  the  vessels  of  the 
mother  take  upon  themselves  the  task ;  or,  in  oviparous  animals,  till 
hatching  takes  place,  and  external  food  is  to  be  obtained.     The  ovum  is 


RACING,   OR   TURF   HORSEf?,  2i^ 

carried  down  by  the  contractile  power  of  the  fallopian  tubes  from  the 
ovary  to  the  uterus,  and  hence  it  does  not  require  automatic  particles 
like  the  semen. 

The  embryo,  or  young  animal,  is  the  result  of  the  contact  of  the 
$emen  with  the  ovum,  immediately  after  which  the  sperm-cell  of  the 
former  is  absorbed  into  the  germ-cell  of  the  latter.  Upon  this  a  ten- 
dency to  increase  or  "grow"  is  estabhshed,  and  supported  at  first,  by 
the  nutriment  contained  in  the  yolk  of  the  ovum,  until  the  embryo  has 
attached  itself  to  the  walls  of  the  uterus,  from  which  it  afterwards  ab- 
sorbs its  nourishment  by  the  intervention  of  the  placenta. 

As  the  male  and  female  each  furnish  their  quota  to  the  formation  of 
the  embryo,  it  is  reasonable  to  expect  that  each  shall  be  represented  in 
it,  which  is  found  to  be  the  case  in  nature  ;  but  as  the  food  of  the  embryo 
entirely  depends  upon  the  mother,  it  may  be  expected  that  the  health  of 
the  offspring  and  its  constitutional  powers  will  be  more  in  accordance 
with  her  state  than  with  that  of  the  father ;  yet  since  the  sire  furnishes 
one-half  of  the  original  germ,  it  is  not  surprising  that  in  externals  and 
general  character  there  is  retained  a/ac-simile,  to  a  certain  extent  of  him. 

The  ovum  of  mammalia  differs  from  that  of  birds  chiefly  in  the  greater 
size  of  the  yolk  of  the  latter,  because  in  them  this  body  is  intended  to 
support  the  growth  of  the  embryo  from  the  time  of  the  full  formation 
of  the  egg  until  the  period  of  hatching.  On  the  other  hand,  in  mam- 
malia the  placenta  conveys  nourishment  from  the  internal  surface  of  the 
uterus  to  the  embryo  during  the  whole  time  which  elapses  between  the 
'Bntrance  of  the  ovum  into  the  uterus  and  its  birth.  This  period  embraces 
nearly  the  whole  of  the  interval  between  conception  and  birth,  and  is 
•called  utero-gestation. 

In  all  the  mammalia  there  is  a  periodical  **  heat,"  marked  by  certain 
discharges  in  the  female,  and  sometimes  by  other  remarkable  symptoms 
in  the  male.  In  the  former  it  is  accompanied  in  all  healthy  subjects  by 
the  descent  of  an  ovum  or  ova  into  the  uterus  ;  and  in  both  there  is  a 
strong  desire  for  sexual  intercourse,  which  never  takes  place  at  other 
times  in  them. 

The  semen  retains  its  fructifying  power  for  some  days,  if  it  be  con- 
tained within  the  walls  of  the  uterus  or  vagina,  but  soon  ceases  to  be 
fruitful  if  kept  in  any  other  vessel.  Hence,  although  the  latter  part  of 
the  time  of  heat  is  the  best  for  the  union  of  the  sexes,  because  tjien 
the  ovum  is  ready  for  the  contact  with  the  semen,  yet  if  the  semen 
reaches  the  uterus  first,  it  will  still  cause  a  fruitful  impregnation,  because 
it  remains  there  uninjured  until  the  descent  of  the  ovum. 

The  influence  of  the  male  upon  the  embryo  is  partly  dependent  upon 
the  fact  that  he  furnishes  a  portion  of  its  substance  in  the  shape  of  th« 


218  ILLUSTRATED   STOCK   DOCTOB. 

sperm-cell,  but  also  in  great  measure  upon  the  effect  exerted  upoii  tk« 
nervous  system  of  the  mother  by  him.  Hence  the  preponderance  ol 
one  or  other  of  the  parents  will,  in  great  measure,  depend  upon  th» 
greater  or  less  strength  of  nervous  system  in  each.  No  general  law  li 
known  by  which  this  can  be  measured,  nor  is  anything  known  of  th« 
laws  which  regulate  the  temperament,  bodily  or  mental  power,  color  oi 
conformation  of  the  resulting  offspring. 

Acquired  qualities  are  transmitted,  whether  they  belong  to  the  sire  or 
dam,  and  also  both  bodily  and  mental.  As  bad  qualities  are  quite  as 
easily  transmitted  as  good  ones,  if  not  more  so,  it  is  necessary  to  take 
care  that  in  selecting  a  male  to  improve  the  stock  he  be  free  from  bad 
points,  as  well  as  furnished  with  good  ones.  It  is  known  by  experienca 
that  the  good  or  bad  points  of  the  progenitors  of  the  sire  or  dam  ari. 
almost  as  likely  to  appear  again  in  the  offspring,  as  those  of  the  imme- 
diate parents  in  whom  they  are  dormant.  Hence,  in  breeding  the  rule  is, 
that  like  produces  like,  or  the  likeness  of  some  ancestor. 

The  purer  or  less  mixed  the  breed,  the  more  likely  it  is  to  be  trarrs- 
initted  unaltered  to  the  offspring.  Hence,  whichever  parent  is  of  the 
purest  blood  will  be  generally  more  represented  in  the  offspring ;  but  as 
the  male  is  usually  more  carefully  selected,  and  of  purer  blood  than  the 
female,  it  generally  follows  that  he  exerts  more  influence  than  she  does ; 
the  reverse  being  the  case  when  she  is  of  more  unmixed  blood  than 
the  sire. 

Breeding  "in-and-in"  is  injurious  to  mankind,  and  has  always  been 
forbidden  by  the  Divine  law,  as  well  as  by  most  human  lawgivers.  On 
the  other  hand,  it  prevails  extensively  in  a  state  of  nature  with  all  grega- 
rious animals,  among  whom  the  strongest  male  retains  his  daughters  and 
granddaughters  until  deprived  of  his  harem  by  younger  and  stronger 
rivals.  Hence,  in  those  of  our  domestic  animals  which  are  naturally  gre- 
garious, it  is  reasonable  to  conclude  that  breeding  "in-and-in"  is  not 
prejudicial,  because  it  is  in  conformity  with  their  natural  instincts,  if  not 
carried  farther  by  art,  than  nature  teaches  by  her  example.  Now,  in 
nature  we  find  about  two  consecutive  crosses  of  the  same  blood  is  the 
usual  extent  to  which  it  is  carried,  as  the  life  of  the  animal  is  the  limit ; 
And  it  is  a  remarkable  fact  that  in  practice  a  conclusion  has  been  arrived 
ftt,  which  exactly  coincides  with  these  natural  laws.  "Once  in  and  once 
out,"  is  the  rule  for  breeding  given  by  Mr.  Smith  in  his  work  on  the 
breeding  for  the  turf ;  but  twice  in  will  be  found  to  be  more  in  accord- 
ance with  the  practice  of  our  most  successful  breeders. 

The  influence  of  the  first  impregnation  seems  to  extend  to  the  subse- 
quent ones  ;  this  has  been  proved  by  several  experiments,  and  is  espe- 
eially  marked  in  the  equine  genus.      In  the  series  of  examples  preserved 


RACING,   OR  TURF   HORSES.  ,  219 

(n  the  Museum  of  the  College  of  Surgeons,  the  markings  of  the  male 
quagga,  when  united  with  the  ordinary  mare,  are  continued  clearly  for 
three  generations  beyond  the  one  in  which  the  quagga  was  the  actual  sire  ; 
And  they  are  so  clear  as  to  leave  the  question  settled  without  a  doubt. 

When  some  of  the  elements,  of  which  an  individual  sire  is  composed 
*re  in  accordance  with  others  making  up  those  of  the  dam,  they  coalesce 
in  such  a  kindred  way  as  to  make  what  is  called  "a  hit."  On  the  other 
hand,  when  they  are  too  incongruous,  an  animal  is  the  result  wholly 
unfitted  for  the  task  he  is  intended  to  perform. 

IN-AND-IN     BREEDING. 

By  a  careful  examination  of  the  pedigrees  of  our  most  remarkable 
horses,  it  will  be  seen  that  in  all  cases  there  is  some  in-breeding ;  and  in 
the  greater  part  of  the  most  successful  a  very  considerable  infusion  of  it. 
It  is  difficult  to  say  what  is  not  to  be  considered  such,  or  when  to  make  it 
commence,  for  in  all  cases  there  is  more  or  less  relationship  between  the 
sire  and  dam  of  every  thoroughbred  horse  ;  at  least,  I  cannot  find  a  single 
exception — and  again,  for  instance,  examining  the  pedigree  of  Harkaway, 
which  is  the  result  of  one  of  the  most  direct  crosses  in  the  Stud-book,  we 
find  that  his  sire  and  dam  are  both  descended  from  Eclipse  and  Herod 
through  three  or  four  strains  on  each  side,  as  will  be  seen  by  referring 
to  page  ?1.5.  The  same  will  apply  to  Alarm,  who  also  is  the  result  of  as 
direct  a  cross  as  is  often  seen  ;  and,  in  fact,  whatever  pedigree  is  ana- 
lyzed, the  result  will  be  that  the  bulk  of  it  in  the  fifth  or  sixth  remove  is 
wiade  up  of  Eclipse,  Herod,  and  Matchem,  or  Regulus  blood.  It  is  not 
that  a  horse  goes  back  to  one  of  these  stallions  in  one  line  only,  but 
through  six  or  seven,  and  sometimes  through  nearly  all  his  progenitors. 
Hence,  it  may  be  fairly  assumed  that  all  the  horses  of  the  present  day 
are  Telated,  either  closely  or  distantly ;  but  when  we  speak  of  in-and-in 
breeding,  we  mean  a  nearer  relationship  than  this,  such  as  a  first  cousin, 
or,  at  the  most,  one  in  the  second  or  third  degree.  But  I  believe  it  will 
be  found  that  even  this  amount  of  relationship  is  desirable,  if  not  carriecl 
too  far,  and  that  a  vast  number  of  our  best  modern  horses  have  been 
bred  in  this  way. 

OUT-CROSSING. 

By  crossing  the  blood,  we  understand  the  selection  of  a  sire  composed 
of  wholly  different  blood  from  that  of  the  dam,  or  as  different  as  can 
be  obtained  of  such  quality  as  is  suitable  to  the  particular  purpose  in 
view.  Thus,  in  breeding  race-horses  it  is  found  that  continuing  in  the 
same  strain  beyond  two  stages  deteriorates  the  constitutional  health, 
diminishes  the  bone,  and  lowers  the  height  ;  hence,  it  is  important  to 
avoV?  +his  evil,  and  another  strain  must  be  selected  which  shall  lead  to 


220  ILLUSTRATED   STOCK   DOCTOR. 

the  same  results  as  were  previously  in  existence,  without  the  above  dete. 
rioration  ;  and  this  is  called  out-crossing,  or  more  commonly,  crossing. 
The  great  difficulty  is  to  obtain  this  object  without  destroying  that  harmony 
of  proportions,  and  due  subordination  of  one  part  to  another  which  is 
necessary  for  the  race, horse,  and  without  which  he  seldom  attains  high 
speed.  Almost  every  individual  breed  has  peculiar  characteristics,  ancj 
so  long  as  the  sire  and  dam  are  both  in  possession  of  them  they  will 
continue  to  reappear  in  the  produce  ;  but  if  a  dam  possessing  them  is  put 
to  a  horse  of  different  character,  the  result  is  often  that  the  produce  is 
not  a  medium  between  the  two,  but  is  in  its  anterior  parts  like  its  dam, 
and  in  its  posterior  resembling  its  sire,  or  vice  versa ^  than  which  no  more 
unfortunate  result  can  occur.  Thus,  we  will  suppose  that  a  very  strong 
muscular  horse  is  put  to  a  very  light  racing  mare  ;  instead  of  the  produce 
being  moderately  stout  all  over,  he  will  often  be  very  stout  and  strong 
behind,  and  very  light  and  weak  before,  and  as  a  consequence  his  hind- 
quarters will  tire  his  fore  limbs,  by  giving  them  more  to  do  than  they 
have  the  power  of  accomplishing.  This  is  well  seen  in  Crucifix,  who  was 
a  very  wiry  and  fast,  but  light  mare,  with  a  fore-quarter  hardly  capable 
of  doing  the  work  of  her  own  hind-quarter.  Now,  she  has  several  times 
been  put  to  Touchstone — a  horse  remarkable  for  getting  bad-shouldered 
stock,  but  with  strong  muscular  propellers  —  and,  with  the  solitary 
exception  of  Surplice,  these  have  been  a  series  of  failures.  Surplice 
was  also  defective  in  the  same  way,  but  still  he  managed  to  get  along  in 
au  awkward  style,  but  somehow  or  other  at  a  great  pace.  Cowl,  on  the 
other  hand,  was  a  better  galloper,  because  there  was  a  greater  harmony 
of  parts ;  but  he  was  somewhat  deficient  in  the  stout  qualities  which 
Touchstone  was  intended  to  supply ;  yet  he  will  prove,  I  fancy,  a  better 
sfallion  than  Surplice,  because  he  is  more  truly  made,  and  by  consequence 
more  likely  to  perpetuate  his  own  likeness. 

COMPARISON  OF  IN-BRED  AND  CROSSED  STALLIONS. 

The  following  list  of  thirty  of  the  most  immediately  successful  stallions 
of  late  years  shows  the  proportion  of  in-bred  to  crossed  horses  of  this 
class  to  be  equal.  I  have  omitted  such  as  only  became  celebrated  through 
their  daughters  as  brood-mares,  for  instance.  Defence,  etc. 

IN-BRED  STALLIONS. 

1.  Priam.  2.  Bay  Middleton.  3.  Melbourne.  4.  Cotherstone.  5. 
Pyrrhus  I.  6.  The  Baron.  7.  Orlando.  8.  Ithuriel.  9.  Cowl.  10. 
The  Saddler.  11.  Sweetmeat.  12.  Chatham.  13.  Flying  Dutchman. 
14.  Sir  Tattou  Sykes.     15.  Chanticleer. 


RACING,    OR   TURF   HORSES.  221 

CROSSED  STALLIONS. 

1.  Partisan.  2.  Emilius.  3.  Touchstone.  4.  Birdcatcher.  5.  Sir 
Hercules.  (3.  Voltaire.  7.  Plenipotentiary.  8.  Pantaloon.  9.  Lan- 
ercost.  10.  Venison.  11.  Alarm.  12.  Ion.  13.  Harkaway.  14. 
Velocipede.     15.  Hetman  Platoff. 

SELECTION    OF   BROOD    MARE. 

In  choosing  the  brood  mare,  four  things  must  be  considered — ^first, 
her  blood ;  secondly,  her  frame ;  thirdly,  her  state  of  health ;  and 
fourthly,  her  temper. 

Her  blood  or  breeding  will  mainly  depend  upon  the  views  of  the 
breeder — that  is  to  say,  what  particular  class  of  colts  he  wishes  to  obtain, 
and  according  to  his  decision  he  will  look  out  for  mares  of  the  particular 
kind  he  desires  to  reproduce,  on  the  principle  that  *'like  begets  like," 
but  subject  to  the  various  considerations  partly  alluded  to  in  the  last 
chapter,  and  partly  in  this  and  subsequent  ones. 

In  frame,  the  mare  should  be  so  formed  as  to  be  capable  of  carrying 
and  well  nourishing  her  offspring ;  that  is,  she  should  be  what  is  called 
*'roomy."  There  is  a  formation  of  the  hips  which  is  particularly  unfit 
for  breeding  purposes,  and  yet  which  is  sometimes  carefully  selected,  be- 
cause it  is  considered  elegant ;  this  is  the  level  and  straight  hip,  in  which 
the  tail  is  set  on  very  high,  and  the  end  of  the  haunch-bone  is  nearly  on 
a  level  with  the  projection  of  the  hip-bone.  The  opposite  form  is  repre- 
sented in  the  skeleton  given  with  the  article  * 'Horse,"  which  is  that  of  a 
thoroughbred  mare,  well  formed  for  this  breeding  purpose,  but  in  other 
respects  rather  too  slight.  By  examining  her  pelvis,  it  will  be  seen  that 
the  haunch-bone  forms  a  considerable  angle  with  the  sacrum,  and  that, 
as  a  consequence,  there  is  plenty  of  room,  not  only  for  carrying  the  foal, 
ibut  for  allowing  it  to  pass  into  the  world.  Both  of  these  points  are 
important,  the  former  evidently  so,  and  the  latter  no  less  so  on  consider- 
ation, because  if  the  foal  is  injured  in  the  birth,  either  of  necessity,  or 
from  ignorance  or  carelessness,  it  will  often  fail  to  recover  its  powers, 
and  will  remain  permanently  injured.  The  pelvis,  then,  should  be  wide 
and  deep — that  is  to  say,  it  should  be  large  and  roomy  ;  and  there  should 
also  be  a  little  more  than  the  average  length  from  the  hip  to  the  shoul- 
der, so  as  to  give  plenty  of  bed  for  the  foal ;  as  well  as  a  good  depth  of 
back-ribs,  which  are  necessary  in  order  to  support  this  increased  length. 
This  gives  the  whole  framework  of  the  trunk  of  a  larger  proportion  than 
is  always  desirable  in  the  race-horse,  which  may  be  easily  overtopped ; 
and  hence  many  good  runners  have  failed  as  brood  mares,  whilst  a  great 
number  of  bad  runners  have  been  dam*  of  good  race-horses.  Beyond 
this  roomy  frame,  necessary  as  the  egg  shell  of  the  foal,  the  mare  only 


222  ILLUSTRATED     STOCK     DOCTOR. 

requires  such  a  shape  and  make  as  is  well  adapted  for  the  particular  pur- 
pose she  is  intended  for ;  or  if  not  possessing  it  herself,  she  should 
belong  to  a  family  having  it.  If  one  can  be  obtained  with  these  requisites 
in  her  own  person,  so  much  the  more  likely  Avill  she  be  to  produce  race- 
horses ;  but  if  not  all,  then  it  is  better  that  she  should  add  as  many  as 
possible  to  the  needful  framework,  without  which  her  office  can  hardly 
be  well  carried  out.  But  with  this  suitable  frame,  if  she  belongs  to  a 
family  which,  as  a  rule,  possesses  all  the  attributes  of  a  race-horse,  she 
may  be  relied  on  with  some  degree  of  certainty,  even  though  she  herself 
should  fail  in  some  of  them.  Thus,  there  are  many  fine  roomy  mares 
which  have  been  useless  as  race-horses  from  being  deficient  in  the  power 
of  some  one  quarter,  either  behind  or  before,  or  perhaps  a  little  too 
slack  in  the  loin  for  their  length.  Such  animals,  if  of  good  running  fam- 
ilies, should  not  be  despised  ;  and  many  such  have  stood  their  owners  in 
good  stead.  On  the  other  hand,  some  good-looking  animals  have  never 
thrown  good  stock,  because  they  were  only  exceptional  cases,  and  their 
families  were  of  bad  running  blood  on  all  or  most  sides.  No  mare  could 
look  much  more  unlike  producing  strong  stock  than  Pocalionras,  but  be- 
ing of  a  family  which  numbers  Selim,  Bacchante,  Tramp,  Web,  Orville, 
Eleanor,  and  Marmion  among  its  eight  members  in  the  third  remove,  it 
can  scarcely  occasion  suprprise  that  she  should  respond  to  the  call  of  the 
Baron  by  producing  a  Stockwell  and  a  Rataplan. 

In  health,  the  brood  mare  should  be  as  near  jjerfection  as  the  artificial 
state  of  this  animal  will  allow ;  at  all  events,  it  is  the  most  important 
point  of  all,  and  in  every  case  the  mare  should  be  very  carefully  exam- 
ined, with  a  view  to  discover  what  deviations  from  a  natural  state  have 
been  entailed  upon  her  by  her  own  labors,  and  what  she  has  inherited 
from  her  ancestors.  Independently  of  the  consequence  of  accidents,  all 
deviations  from  a  state  of  health  in  the  mare  may  be  considered  as  more 
or  less  transmitted  to  her,  because  in  a  thoroughly  sound  constitution,  no 
ordinary  treatment  such  as  training  consists  of  will  produce  disease,  and 
it  is  only  hereditary  predispositions  which,  under  this  process,  entails  its 
appearance.  Still  there  are  positive,  comparative,  and  superlative  de- 
grees of  objectionable  diseases  incidental  to  the  brood  mare,  which  should 
be  accepted  or  refused  accordingly.  All  accidental  defect,  such  as  bro- 
ken knees,  dislocated  hips,  or  even  ''breaks  down,"  may  be  passed  over ; 
the  latter,  however,  only  when  the  stock  from  which  the  mare  is  de- 
scended are  famous  for  standing  their  work  without  this  frailty  of  sinew 
and  ligament.  Spavins,  ring-bones,  large  splints,  side-bones,  and,  in 
fact,  all  bony  enlargements,  are  constitutional  defects,  and  will  be  almost 
sure  to  be  perpetuated,  more  or  less,  according  to  the  degree  in  whieh 


RACING,   OR  TURF  HORSES.  22-1 

they  exist  in  the  particular  case.  Curby  hocks  are  also  hereditary,  and 
should  be  avoided  ;  though  many  a  one  much  bent  at  the  junction  of  the 
OS  calcis  with  the  astragalus  is  not  at  all  liable  to  curbs .  It  is  the  defect- 
ive condition  of  the  ligaments  there,  not  the  angular  junction,  which 
leads  to  curbs  ;  and  the  breeder  should  carefully  investigate  the  individ- 
ual case  before  accepting  or  rejecting  a  mare  with  suspicious  hocks.  Bad 
feet,  whether  from  contraction  or  from  too  flat  and  thin  a  sole,  should 
also  be  avoided  ;  but  when  they  have  obviously  arisen  from  bad  shoeing, . 
the  defect  may  be  passed  over. 

Such  are  the  chief  varieties  of  unsoundness  in  the  legs  which  require 
circumspection  ;  the  good  points  which,  on  the  other  hand,  are  to  be  look- 
ed for,  are  those  considered  desirable  in  all  horses  that  are  subjected  to 
the  shocks  of  the  gallop.  Calf  knees  are  generally  bad  in  the  race  horse, 
and  are  very  apt  to  be  transmitted,  whilst  the  opposite  form  is  also  per- 
petuated, but  is  not  nearly  so  disadvantageous.  Such  are  the  general 
considerations  bearing  upon  soundness  of  limb. 

That  of  the  wind  is  no  less  important.  Broken-winded  mares  seldom 
breed,  and  they  are  therefore  out  of  the  question,  if  for  no  other  reason  ; 
but  no  one  would  risk  the  recurrence  of  this  disease,  even  if  he  could 
get  such  a  mare  stinted.  Roaring  is  a  much-vexed  question,  which  is  by 
no  means  theoretically  settled  among  our  chief  veterinary  authorities,  nor 
practically  by  our  breeders.  Every  year,  however,  it  becomes  more 
frequent  and  important,  and  the  risk  of  reproduction  is  too  great  for  any 
person  wilfully  to  run  by  breeding  from  a  roarer.  As  far  as  I  can  learn, 
it  appears  to  be  much  more  hereditary  on  the  side  of  the  mare  than  on 
that  of  the  horse  ;  and  not  even  the  offer  of  a  Virago  should  tempt  me 
to  use  her  as  a  brood  mare.  There  are  so  many  different  conditions  which 
produce  what  is  called  "roaring,"  that  it  is  difllcult  to  form  any  opinion 
which  shall  apply  to  all  cases.  In  some  instances,  where  it  has  arisen 
from  neglected  strangles,  or  from  a  simple  inflammation  of  the  larynx, 
the  result  of  cold,  it  will  probably  never  reappear  ;  but  when  the  genuine 
ideopathic  roaring  has  made  its  appearance,  apparently  depending  upon  a 
disease  of  the  nei-ves  of  the  larynx,  it  is  ten  to  one  that  the  produce  will 
suffer  in  the  same  way. 

Blindness,  again,  may  or  may  not  be  hereditary ;  but  in  all  cases  it 
should  be  viewed  with  suspicion  as  great  as  that  due  to  roaring.  Simple 
cataract  without  inflammation  undoubtedly  runs  in  families  ;  and  when  a 
horse  or  mare  has  both  eyes  suffering  from  this  disease,  without  any  other 
derangement  of  the  eye,  I  should  eschew  them  carefully.  When  blind- 
ness is  the  result  of  violent  inflammation  brought  on  by  bad  management 
or  by  influenza,  or  any  other  similar  cause,  the  eye  itself  is  more  or  les« 


224  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 

disoro-anized ;  and  though  this  itself  is  objectionable,  as  showing  a  weak- 
ness  of  the  organ,  it  is  not  so  bad  as  the  regular  cataract. 

Such  are  the  chief  absolute  defects,  or  deviations  from  health  in  th« 
mare  ;  to  which  may  be  added  a  general  delicacy  of  constitution,  which 
can  only  be  guessed  from  the  amount  of  flesh  which  she  carries  while 
sucldinof  or  on  poor  "keep,"  or  from  her  appearance  on  examination  by 
an  experienced  hand,  using  his  eyes  as  well.  The  firm,  full  muscle,  the 
brjo-ht  and  lively  eye,  the  healthy-looking  coat  at  all  seasons,  rough 
though  it  may  be  in  winter,  proclaim  the  hardiness  of  constitution  which 
is  wanted,  but  which  often  coexists  with  infirm  legs  and  feet.  Indeed, 
sometimes  the  very  best-topped  animals  have  the  worst  legs  and  feet, 
chiefly  owing  to  the  extra  weight  they  and  their  ancestors  also  have  had 
to  carry.  Crib-biting  is  sometimes  a  habit  acquired  from  idleness,  as 
also  is  wind-sucking ;  but  if  not  caused  by  indigestion,  it  often  leads  to 
it,  and  is  very  commonly  caught  by  the  offspring.  It  is  true  that  it  may 
be  prevented  by  a  strap  ;  but  it  is  not  a  desirable  accomplishment  in  the 
mare,  though  of  less  importance  than  those  to  which  I  have  already  allu- 
ded, if  not  accompanied  by  absolute  loss  of  health,  as  indicated  by  ema- 
ciation, or  the  state  of  the  skin. 

Lastly,  the  temper  is  of  the  utmost  importance,  by  which  must  be  un- 
derstood not  that  gentleness  at  grass  which  may  lead  the  breeder's  fam- 
ily to  pet  the  mare,  but  such  a  temper  as  will  serve  for  the  purposes  of 
her  rider,  and  will  answer  to  the  stimulus  of  the  voice,  whip  or  spur.  A 
craven  or  a  rogue  is  not  to  be  thought  of  as  the  "mother  of  a  family  ;" 
and  if  a  mare  belongs  to  a  breed  which  is  remarkable  for  refusing  to  an- 
swer the  call  of  the  rider,  she  should  be  consigned  to  any  task  rather 
than  the  stud-farm.  Neither  should  a  mare  be  used  for  this  purpose 
which  had  been  too  irritable  to  train,  unless  she  hapiDcned  to  be  an  excep- 
tional case  ;  but  if  of  an  irritable  family,  she  would  be  worse  even  than 
a  roarer,  or  a  blind  one.  These  are  defects  which  are  apparent  in  the 
colt  or  filly,  but  the  irritability  which  interferes  with  training  often  leads 
to  the  expenditure  of  large  sums  on  the  faith  of  private  trials,  which  are 
lost  from  the  failure  in  public,  owing  to  this  defect  of  nervous  system. 

CHOICE    or    STALLION. 

Like  the  brood  mare,  the  stallion  requires  several  essentials — com- 
mencing also  like  her,  first,  with  his  blood ;  secondly,  his  individual 
shape  ;  thirdly,  his  health  ;  and,  fourthly,  his  temper.  But  there  is  this 
difficulty  in  selecting  the  stallion,  that  he  must  not  only  be  suitable  ^^r  se, 
but  he  must  also  be  adapted  to  the  particular  marc  which  he  is  to  "  serve." 
Thus,  it  will  be  manifest  that  the  task  is  more  difficult  than  the  fixinsr 
upon  a  brood  mare,  because    (leaving  out  of    considerations  all  other 


RACING,   OR  TURF   HORSES.  225 

points  but  blood)  in  the  one  case,  a  mare  only  has  to  be  chosen  which  is 
of  good  blood  for  racing  purposes,  while  in  the  other  there  must  be  the 
same  attention  paid  to  this  particular,  and  also  to  the  stallion's  suitability 
to  the  mare,  or  to  "  hit "  with  her  blood.  Hence,  all  the  various  theories 
connected  with  generation  must  be  investigated,  in  order  to  do  justice  to 
the  subject ;  and  the  breeder  rnust  make  up  his  mind  whether  in-and-in- 
breeding,  as  a  rule,  is  desirable  or  otherwise  ;  and  if  so,  whether  it  is 
adapted  to  the  particular  case  he  is  considering.  Most  men  make  up 
their  minds  one  way  or  the  other  on  this  subject,  and  act  accordingly,  in 
which  decision  much  depends  upon  the  prevailing  fashion.  The  rock 
upon  which  most  men  split  is  a  bigoted  favoritism  for  some  particular 
horse  ;  thus,  one  man  puts  all  his  mares  to  Orlando  ;  another,  to  Surplice 
or  the  Flying  Dutchman  ;  although  they  may  every  one  be  different  in 
blood  and  form  to  the  others.  Now,  this  cannot  possibly  be  right  if 
there  is  any  principle  whatever  in  breeding ;  and  however  good  a  horse 
may  be,  he  cannot  be  suited  to  all  mares.  Some,  again,  will  say  that 
any  horse  will  do,  and  that  all  is  a  lottery ;  but  I  think  I  shall  be  able  to 
show  that  there  is  some  science  required  to  enable  the  breeder  to  draw 
many  prizes.  That  the  system  generally  followed  of  late  is  a  bad  one,  I 
am  satisfied,  and  with  constant  crossing  and  re-crossing  it  is  almost  a 
lottery  ;  but  upon  proper  principles,  and  with  careful  management,  I  am 
tempted  to  believe  that  there  would  be  fewer  blanks  than  at  jiresent.  I 
have  already  given  my  own  theoretical  views  upon  the  case,  illustrated 
by  numerous  examples  on  both  sides  of  the  question.  It  will  now 
be  my  object  to  apply  these  views  practically  by  selecting  particular 
instances. 

Ih  choosing  the  particular  blood  which  will  suit  any  given  mare,  my 
impression  always  would  be,  that  it  is  desirable  to  fix  upon  the  best  strain 
in  her  pedigree,  if  not  already  twice  bred  in-and-in,  and  then  to  put  to 
her  the  best  stallion  available  of  that  blood.  In  some  cases,  of  course, 
it  will  happen  that  the  second  best  strain  will  answer  better,  because 
there  happens  to  be  a  better  horse  of  that  blood  to  be  had  than  of  the 
superior  strain,  which  would  otherwise  be  preferred.  If,  on  the  other 
hand,  the  mare  has  already  been  in-bred  to  the  extent  of  two  degrees, 
then  a  cross  will  be  advisable  ;  but  I  am  much  inclined  to  believe,  from 
the  success  of  certain  well-known  cases,  that  even  then  a  cross  into 
blood  already  existing  in  the  mare,  but  not  recently  in-bred  nor  used 
more  than  once,  will  sometimes  answer.  Upon  these  principles  I  should, 
therefore,  look  for  success.  It  is  surprising  to  me  that  this  very  common 
occurrence  of  in-breedinj?  amons;  our  best  modern  horses  has  so  generallv 
escaped  observation,  and  the  only  way  in  which  I  can  explain  it  is  by 
supposing,  that  having  frequently  been  through  the  grandam  on  either 


226  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 

side  it  has  been  lost  sight  of,  because  the  knowledge  of  the  sire's  and 
grandsire's  blood  is  generally  the  extent  to  which  the  inquiry  goes.  Thus, 
we  find  the  most  recent  writer  on  the  subject,  who  assumes  the  name  of 
"Craven,"  asserting,  at  page  121  of  "The  Horse" — "There  is  no 
proximity  of  relationship  in  the  genealogy  of  the  Flying  Dutchman, 
Touchstone,  Melbourne,  Epirus,  Alarm,  Bay  Middleton,  Hero,  Orlando, 
Irish  Birdcatcher,  Cossack,  Harkaway,  Tearaway,  Lothario,  or  others  of 
celebrity."  Now,  of  these  the  Flying  Dutchman  is  the  produce  of 
second  cousins  ;  Bay  Middleton,  his  sire,  being  also  in-bred  to  William- 
son's Ditto  and  Walton,  own  brothers  ;  and  Orlando,  containing  in  his 
pedigree  Selim  twice  over,  and  Castrel,  his  brother,  in  addition,  Mel- 
bourne also  is  the  produce  of  third  cousins,  both  his  sire  and  dam  being 
descended  from  Highflyer.  But  if  to  these  four,  which  he  has  specially 
named,  be  added  the  numerous  "others  of  celebrity"  to  which  I  have 
drawn  attention,  besides  a  host  of  lesser  stars  too  numerous  to  mention, 
it  will  be  admitted  that  he  assumes  for  granted  the  exact  opposite  of 
what  is  really  the  case. 

The  choice  of  particular  stallions,  as  dependent  upon  their  formation, 
is  not  less  difficult  than  that  of  the  mare,  and  it  must  be  guided  by  nearly 
the  same  principles,  except  that  there  is  no  occasion  for  any  framework 
especially  calculated  for  nourishing  and  containing  the  foetus,  as  in  her 
case.  As  far  as  possible,  the  horse  should  be  the  counterpart  of  what  is 
desired  in  the  produce,  though  sometimes  it  may  be  necessary  to  select 
an  animal  of  a  breed  slightly  exaggerating  the  peculiarity  which  is  sought 
for,  especially  when  that  is  not  connected  with  the  preponderance  of  fore 
or  hind-quarters.  Thus,  if  the  mare  is  very  leggy,  a  more  than  usually 
short-legged  horse  may  be  selected,  or  if  her  neck  is  too  short  or  too 
long,  an  animal  with  this  organ  particularly  long,  or  the  reverse  as  the 
case  may  be,  should  be  sought  out.  But  in  all  cases  it  is  dangerous  to 
attempt  to«  sudden  alteration  with  regard  to  size,  as  the  effort  will  gen- 
erally end  in  a  colt  without  a  due  proportion  of  parts,  and  therefore  more 
or  less  awkward  and  unwieldly. 

In  constitution  and  general  health,  the  same  remarks  exactly  apply  to 
the  horse  as  the  mare.  All  hereditary  diseases  are  to  be  avoided  as  far 
as  possible,  though  few  horses  are  to  be  met  with  entirely  free  from  all 
kinds  of  unsoundness,  some  the  effects  of  severe  training,  and  others 
resulting  from  actual  disease,  occurring  from  other  causes.  With  regard 
^o  fatness,  there  is  an  extraordinary  desire  for  horses  absolutely  loaded 
with  fat,  just  as  there  formerly  was  for  overfed  oxen  at  Christmas.  It 
*s  quite  true  that  the  presence  of  a  moderate  quantity  of  fat  is  a  sign  of 
ft  good  constitution,  but,  like  all  other  good  qualities,  it  may  be  carried 
\o  excess,  so  as  to  produce  disease  ;  and  just  as  there  often  is  hypertro- 


RACING,   OR   TURP   HORSES.  227 

phy,  or  excess  of  nourishment  of  the  heart,  or  any  bony  parts,  so  is 
there  often  a  like  superabundance  of  fat  causing  obstruction  to  the  due 
performance  of  the  animal  functions,  and  often  ending  in  premature 
death.  This  is  in  great  measure  owing  to  want  of  exercise,  but  also  to 
over-stimulating  food  ;  and  the  breeder  who  wishes  his  horse  to  last,  and 
«lso  to  get  good  stock,  should  take  especial  care  that  he  has  enough  of 
the  one  and  not  too  much  of  the  other. 

In  temper,  also,  there  is  no  more  to  be  added  to  what  I  have  said 
relating  to  the  mare,  except  that  there  are  more  bad-tempered  stallions  to 
be  met  with  than  mares,  independently  of  their  running,  and  this  is 
caused  by  the  constant  state  of  unnatural  excitement  in  which  they  are 
kept.  This  kind  of  vice  is,  however,  not  of  so  much  importance,  as  it 
does  not  affect  the  running  of  the  stock,  and  solely  interferes  with  their 
stable  management. 

BEST  AGE  TO  BREED  FROM. 

It  is  commonly  supposed  that  one  or  other  of  the  parents  should  be  of 
mature  age,  and  that  if  both  are  very  young,  or  very  old,  the  produce 
will  be  decrepit  or  weakly.  A  great  many  of  our  best  horses  have  been 
out  of  old  mares,  or  by  old  horses  —  as,  for  instance,  Priam  out  of 
Cressida,  at  twenty ;  Crucifix,  out  of  Octaviana,  at  twenty-two ;  and 
Lottery  and  Brutandorf ,  out  of  Mandane,  at  twenty  and  twenty-one ; 
Voltaire  got  Voltigeur  at  twenty-one ;  Bay  Middleton  was  the  sire  of 
Andover  at  eighteen,  and  Touchstone  got  Newminster  at  seventeen.  On 
the  other  hand,  many  young  stallions  and  mares  have  succeeded  well,  and 
in  numberless  instances  the  first  foal  of  a  mare  has  been  the  best  she  ever 
produced.  In  the  olden  times,  Mark  Antony  and  Conductor  were  the 
first  foals  of  their  dams ;  and  more  recently,  Shuttle  Pope,  Filho  da 
Puta,  Sultan,  Pericles,  Oiseau,  Doctor  Sjiitax,  Manfred  and  Pantaloon, 
have  all  been  first-born.  Still  these  are  exceptions,  and  the  great  bulk 
of  superior  horses  are  produced  later  in  the  series.  The  youngest  dam 
which  I  ever  heard  of  was  Monstrosity,  foaled  in  1838,  who  produced 
Ugly  Buck  at  three  years  old,  having  been  put  to  Venison  when  only 
two  years  of  age.  Her  dam,  also,  was  only  one  year  older  when  she  was 
foaled  ;  and  Venison  himself  was  quite  a  young  stallion,  being  only  seven 
years  old  when  he  got  Ugly  Buck  ;  so  that,  altogether,  the  last  mentioned 
horse  was  a  remarkable  instance  of  successful  breeding  from  young 
parents.  As  in  most  cases  of  the  kind,  however,  his  early  promises  were 
not  carried  out,  and  he  showed  far  better  as  a  two-year-old,  and  early  in 
the  following  year,  than  in  his  maturity.  Such  is  often  the  case,  and,  I 
believe,  is  a  very  general  rule  in  breeding  all  animals,  whether  horses, 
dogs,  or  cattle.     The  general  practice  in  breeding  is  to  use  young  stal- 


228  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

lions  with  old  mares,  and  to  put  young  mares  to  old  stallions  ;  and  suc^ 
appears  to  be  the  best  plan,  judging  from  theory  as  well  as  practice. 

BEST  TFME   FOR    BREEDING. 

For  all  raci-ng  purposes,  an  early  foal  is  important,  because  the  age 
takes  date  from  the  1st  of  January.  The  mare,  therefore,  should  be 
put  to  the  horse  in  February,  so  as  to  foal  as  soon  after  January  1st  a* 
possible.  As,  however,  many  mares  foal  a  little  before  the  end  of  the 
eleventh  month,  it  is  not  safe  to  send  her  to  the  horse  before  the  middle 
of  the  second  month  in  the  year.  For  further  particulars,  see  "Thoughts 
on  Breeding,"  and  the  **  Stud-Farm,"  in  which  the  general  management 
of  the  mare  and  foal  is  fully  detailed. 

It  will  be  interesting  that  the  reader  have  a  pretty  complete  record  of 
the  best  time  at  various  distances  in  racing.  Such  a  record  has  been  care- 
fully compiled  for  Turf,  Field  and  Farm  .  up  to  the  close  of  the  se«'\- 
son  of  1879 ;  and  which  we  append : 

Fastest  and  Best  Time,  and  Most  Creditable  Performances  on  Record,  At 
all  Distances,  to  end  of  Year  1879. 

HALF    A    MILE. 

Olitipa,  by  imp.  Leamington,  Saratoga,  July  25,  1874,  0  :47  3-4. 
Pomeroy,  by  Planet,  Louisville,  Ky.,  May  23,  1877,  0:49  1-4. 
Harold,  by  imp.  Leamington,  Saratoga,  July  23,  1878,  0  :49  1-4. 
Idalia,  by  imp.  Glenelg,  Jerome  Park,  June  8,  1876,  0  :49  1-2. 
Leona,  by  War  Dance,  Lexington,  Ky.,  May  12,  1874,  0:49  1-2. 
Blue  Lodge,  by  Fellowcraft,  Lexington,  Ky.,  May  10,  1879,  0:49  1-2. 
Duke  of  Magenta,  by  Lexington,  Saratoga,  July  24,  1877,  0:49  1-2. 
Idalia,  by  imp.  Glenelg,  Long  Branch,  July  4,  1876,  0  :49  3-4. 
Sensation,  by  imp.  Leamington,  Saratoga,  July  22,  1879,  0  :49  :3-4. 
Kimball,  by  imp.  Buckden,  Louisville,  Ky.,  May  21,  1879,  0:49  3-4. 
Observanda,  by  Tom  Bowling,  Louisville,  Ky.,  May  21,  1879,  0  :49  3-4 
Grenada,  by  King  Alfonso,  Long  Branch,  July  5,  1879,  0  :49  3-4. 

FIVE-EIGHTHS    OF    A    MILE. 

Bonnie  Wood,  by  imp.  Bonnie  Scotland,  Saratoga,  July  20,  1878, 
1 :02  3-4. 

Grenada,  by  King  Alfonso,  Saratoga,  Aug.  10,  1879,  1 :03  1-2. 
Harold,  by  imp.  Leamington,  Long  Branch,  July  4, 1878,  1 :03  1-2. 
Rachel,  by  imp.  Bonnie  Scotland,  Long  Branch,  July  6,  1878,  1  :03  ]'-2. 
Palmetto,  by  Narragansett,  Saratoga,  Aug.  10,  1876,  1  :03  1-2. 
Rhadamanthus,  by  imp.  Leamington,  Saratoga,  July  25,  1876,  1 :03  1-2, 
Ggypt  Caged),  by  Planet,  Saratoga,  July  19,  1879,  1 :04. 


RACING,   OR   TURF   HORSES.  229 

Aristides,  by  imp.  Leamington,  Jerome  Park,  Oct.  7,  1874,  1 :04  1-2. 
Volturno,  by  imp.  Billet,  Saratoga,  Aug.  21,  1878,  1 :04  3-4. 

THREE-QUARTERS    OF   A    MILE. 

First  Chance,  by  Bay  wood,  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  Oct.  17,  1876,  1:15. 

Lady  Middleton,  by  imp.  Hurrah,  Saratoga,  Aug.  1,  1879,  1:17, 
1  sl5  1-4.     First  was  dead  heat  with  Checkmate. 

Bill  Bruce,  by  Enquirer,  Lexington,  Ky.,  May  12,  1876,  1 :15  1-2. 

Connor,  by  Norfolk,  Carson,  Nev.,  Oct.  19,  1879,  1 :15  1-2. 

Rhadamanthus,  by  imp.  Leamington,  Saratoga,  Aug.  19, 1877,  1 :15  1-2. 

Florence  B.,  by  Tom  Bowling,  Louisville,  Ky.,  Sept.  20,  1879, 
1-15  3-4. 

Madge,  by  imp.  Australian,  Saratoga,  Aug.  21,  1874,  1:15  3-4. 

Alarm,  by  imp.  Eclipse,  Saratoga,  July  15,  1872,  1 :16. 

Belle  of  the  Meade,  by  imp.  Bonnie  Scotland,  Nashville,  Tenn.,  Oct. 
9,  1876,  1:16. 

Enquiress,  by  Enquirer,  Detroit,  July  5,  1879.  1 :16. 

Egypt  (aged),  by  Planet,  Louisville,  Ky.,  May  26,  1877.  1 :17. 

Milan,  by  Melbourne,  Jr.,  Louisville,  Ky.,  May  26,  1877,  1 :16. 

Girofle,  by  imp.  Leamington,  Prospect  Park,  Sept.  13,  1879,  1 :16  1-4. 

Spendthrift,   by  Australian,    Nashville,  Oct.    8,    1878,1.16  1-2. 

Checkmate,  by  imp.  Glen  Athol,  Saratoga,  Aug.  15,  1879,  1 :16  1-4. 

Kimball,  by  imp.  Buckden,  St.  Louis,  June  13,  1879,  1 :16  1-2. 

Mstake,  by  Waverly,  Louisville,  Ky.,  Sept.  23,  1879,  1 :16  1-2. 

Madge,  by  imp.  Australian,  Saratoga,  N.  Y.,  Aug.  15,  1876,  1 :16  1-2. 

Glendalia,  by  imp.  Glenelg,  Louisville,  Ky.,  Sept.  24,  1879,  1 :16  1-2. 

Pigne,  by  imp.  Leamington,  Saratoga,  Aug.  27,  1877,  1:16  3-4. 

Tom  Bowling,  by  Lexington,  Long  Branch,  1872,  1 :16  3-4. 

Bowling  Green,  by  Tom  Bowling,  Louisville,  Sept.  24,  1879,  1:16  3-4. 

Duke  of  Magenta,  by  Denington,  Saratoga,  Aug.  16,     1877,  1  :16  3-4 

Spartan,  by  Lexington,  Saratoga,  Aug.  16,  1877,  1:16  3-4. 

Sly  Dance,  by  War  Dance,  Louisville,  Sept.  22,  1879,  1  :16  3-4. 

Bye  and  Bye,  by  imp.  Bonnie  Scotland,  Louisville,  Sept.  22,  1878, 
1 :16  3-4. 

McWhirter,  by  Enquirer,  Louisville,  Ky.,  May  15,  1879,  1:17. 

Wallenstein,  by  Waverly,  Lexington,  Ky.,  May  15,  1879,  1:17. 

Countess,  by  Kentucky,  Saratoga,  1873,  1 :17  1-2. 

Beatrice,  by  Kentucky,  Long  Branch,  1  :17  1-2. 

Luke  Blackburn,  by  imp.  Bonnie  Scotland,  Prospect  Park,  Sept.  #, 
1879,  1:17  1-2. 

Oden,  by  Vauxhall,  Saratoga,  Aug.  7,  1879,  1 :17  3-4. 

Idalia,  by  imp.  Glenelg,  Saratoga,  Aug.  5,  1878,  1 :18. 
15 


J30  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

Spartan,  by  Lexington,  Saratoga,  Aug.  22,  1877,  1  ;19. 

ONE    MILE. 

Ten  Broeck,  by  imp.  Phaeton,  Louisville,  Ky.,  May  24,  1877,  1 :39  3-4. 

Lcander  (Searcher),  by  Enquirer,  Lexington,  Ky.,  May  13,  1875, 
1 :41  3-4. 

Redman,  by  War  Dance,  Lexington,  Ky.,  May  13,  1876,  1:42  1-4. 

Danger,  by  Alarm,  Baltimore,  May  23,  1878,  1 :42  1-2. 

Mahlstick,  by  Lever,  Lexington,  Ky.,  Sept.  20, 1877,  1 :42  1-2.  Chas. 
Gorham,  by  Blarneystone,  Lexington,  Ky.,  Sep.  20,  1877,  1 :42  1-2, 
Dead  heat. 

Grey  Planet,  by  Planet,  Saratoga,  Aug.  13,  1874,  1 :42  1-2. 

Dan  K.,  by  imp.  Bonnie  Scotland,  Louisville,  Ky.,  May  29,  1877, 
1 :42  1-2. 

Goodnight,  by  Enquirer,  Louisville,  Ky.,  Sep.  23,  1879,  1  :42  1-2 

Katie  Pease,  by  Planet,  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  Sep.  8,  1874,  1 :42  3-4. 

Alarm,  by  imp.  Eclipse,  Saratoga,  July  17,  1872,  1 :42  3-4. 

Glenmore,  by  imp.  Glen  Athol,  Detroit,  July  4,  1879,  1  ;42  3-4. 

Virginus,  by  Virgil,  Saratoga,  Aug.  4,  1877,  1 :42  3-4. 

Cammie  T.,  by  imp.  Glenelg,  Louisville,  Sept.  20,  1879,  1 :43. 

Mistake,  by  Waverly,  Louisville,  Sept.  26,  1879,  1 :43  1-2. 

Edinburg,  by  Longfellow,  Lexington,  May  11,  1878,  1 :43  1-2. 

Belle  of  the  Meade,  by  imp.  Bonnie  Scotland,  Louisville,  Sept.  25, 
1876,  1:44  1-2. 

Belle  of  the  Meade,  by  imp.  Bonnie  Scotland,  Louisville,  Sept.  27, 
1876,  1 :44  1-4. 

Spendthrift,  by  imp.  Australian,  Nashville,  Oct.  12,  1878,  1 :44  1-4. 

Clara  D.,  by  imp.  Glenelg,  Sacramento,  Sept.  27,  1877,  1:44  1-2. 

Astral,  by  Asteroid,  Lexington,  Ky.,  Sept.  12,  1873,  1 :44  3-4. 

Parole,  by  imp.  Leamington,  Saratoga,  Aug.  10,  1875,  1 :44  3-4. 

Aristides,  by  imp.  Leamington,  Baltimore,  Oct.  22,  1874,  1 :44  3-4. 

Susquehanna,  by  imp.  Leamington,  Saratoga,  Aug.  8,  1876,  1 :45, 

Charley  Howard,  by  Lexington,  Saratoga,  Aug.  17,  1876,  1:45. 

Firework,  by  Lexington,  Baltimore,  Oct.,  1874,  1:45. 

Hamburg,  by  Lexington,  Cincinnati,  1869,  1:45. 

Battle  Axe,  by  Monday,  Saratoga,  1873,  1 :45  1-2. 

Spendthrift,  (aged)  by  imp.  Bonnie  Scotland,  Jerome  Park,  June  i, 
1876,  1 :46  1-2. 

Tom  Bowling,  by  Lexington,  Long  Branch,  Aug.  8,  1872,  1 :47. 

MILE    HEATS. 

Kadi,  by  Lexington,  Hartford,  Conn,  Sept.  2,   1875,   fastest  second 


RACING,    OR   TURF    HORSES.  2J^1 

heat,  and  fastest  two  heats  ever  run,  1 :42  1-2,  1 :41  1-4. 

L' Argentine,  by  War  Dance,  Louisville,  Ky.,  Sept.  27,  1879.  Beati- 
tude won  first  heat,  1 :42  1-4,  1 :42  1-2,  1 :45  1-2. 

Mark  D.,  by  Monday,  Sacramento,  Sept.  19,  1878,  1:43,  1:42  3-4. 

Himyar,  by  Alarm,  St.  Louis,  June  4,  1878,  1 :42  1-2,  1 :43  1-2. 

Camargo,  by  Jack  Malone,  Louisville,  Ky.,  May  20,  1875,  1:42  3-4, 
1 :43  1-4. 

Una,  by  War  Dance,  Prospect  Park,  June  25,  1879,  1  .-42  1-4,  1 :45. 

Tom  Bowling,  by  Lexington,  ran  mile  heats  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  May, 
1873,  in  1 :43  1-2,  1 :43  1-2. 

Thornhill,  by  Woodburn,  ran  first  two  heats  in  1 :43,  1 :43  ;  Thad  Ste » 
vens  (aged),  by  Langford,  won  the  third,  fourth  and  fifth  in  1 :43  1-2, 
1  ;46  1-2,  1 :45. 

Clara  D.,  by  imp.  Glenelg,  San  Francisco,  Sept.  13,  1878,  1 :43, 
1 :43  1-2. 

Brademante,  by  War  Dance,  Saratoga,  Aug.  9, 1877, 1 :43  1-2, 1 :43  1-2. 

Bramble,  by  imp,  Bonnie  Scotland,  Nashville,  Oct.  7,  1878,  1 :43, 1 :44. 

Lena  Dunbar,  by  Leinster,  Sacramento,  Sept.  17,  1878,  1 :44  1-4, 
1 :42  3-4. 

Springbok,  by  imp.  Australian,  Utica,  N.  Y.,  June  25,  1874,  1 :45, 
1:42  3-4. 

ONE  MILE  AND  ONE-EIGHTH. 

Bob  WooUey,  by  imp.  Leamington,  Lexington,  Ky.,  Sept.  6, 1875,  1  ;54. 

Janet  Murray,  by  Panic,  Brighton  Beach,  July  13,  1879,  1 :54  3-4. 

Blue  Eyes,  by  Enquirer,  Louisville,  Ky.,  May  28,  1879,  1 :55  1-4. 

Warfield,  by  War  Dance,  Louisville,  Ky.,  Oct.  1,  1878,  1 :56. 

Jack  Hardy,  by  imp.  Phaeton,  St.  Louis,  June  4,  1878,  1 :56. 

Fadladeen,  (aged)  by  War  Dance,  Saratoga,  Aug.  19,  1874,  1:56. 

Picolo,  Concord,  Saratoga,  Aug.  15,  1874,  1:56. 

Himyar,  by  Alarm,  Louisville,  Sept.  20,  1879,  1:56. 

Jils  Johnson,  by  Longfellow,  Lexington,  Sept.  11,  1879,  1 :56  1-2. 

Fannie  Ludlow,  by  imp.  Eclipse,  Saratoga,  Aug.  10,  1879,  1 :56  1-2. 

Round  Dance,  by  War  Dance,  Louisville,  Sept.  27,  1879,  1:56  1-2. 

Konrad,  by  Rebel  Morgan,  New  Orleans,  April  26,  1878,  1 :56  1-2. 

Ben  Hill,  by  imp.  Bonnie  Scotland,  Louisville,  Sept.  25,  1879,  dead 
heat,  1  -56  3-4. 

Mollie  McGinley,  by  imp.  Glen  Athol,  Brighton  Beach,  Sept.  10, 
1879,  1:57. 

Una,  by  War  Dance,  Prospect  Park,  Sept.  11,  1879,  1 :57. 

Susquehanna,  by  imp.  Leamington,  Saratoga,  July  24,  1877,  1 :57  1-4. 

Experience  Oaks,  by  Lexington,  Saratoga,  Aug.  20,  1872,  1:57  1-4.. 


232  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

Bramble,  by  imp.  Bonnie  Scotland,  Saratoga,  Aug.  17,  1878,  1:58. 

Bramble,"     "  "  "  '*  ''        9,1879,1:58. 

Kennesaw,  by  imp.  Glengarry,  Louisville,  May  28,  1878,  1:58  1-2. 

Essillah,  by  Lever,  Nashville,  Apr.  29,  1879,  1 :58  1-2. 

Gabriel,  by  Alarm,  Brighton  Beach,  Sept.  27  1879,  1 :59. 

Edinburg,  by  Longfellow,  Louisville,  Sept.  25,  1878,  1 :59. 

Diamond,  by  imp.  Leamington,  Ogdensburg,  N.  Y.,  Sept.  10,  1878, 
lr59. 

Lance  wood,  by  imp.  Leamington,  Saratoga,  Aug.  13,  1879,  1:59. 

Belle,  by  Dickens,  Saratoga,  July  23,  1878,  1 :59. 

Rhadamanthus,  by  imp.  Leamington,  Saratoga,  Aug.  15,  1876, 
1 :59  3-4. 

Spendthrift  (aged),  by  imp.  Bonnie  Scotland,  Jerome  Park,  June  10, 
1876,  2  :00 

Phyllis,  by  imp.  Phaeton,  Louisville,  Sept.  27,  1876,  2  :01. 

Spendthrift,  (aged),  by  imp.  Bonnie  Scotland,  Jerome  Park,  June  12, 
1875,  2  :03  1-4 

ONE   MILE  AND  A  QUARTER. 

Charley  Gorham,  by  Blarneystone,  Lexington,  May  18,  1877,  2:8  1-2. 
Falsetto,  by  Enquirer,  Lexington,  May  10,  1879,  2  :08  3-4. 
Grimstead,  by  Gilroy,  Saratoga,  July  24,  1875,  2  :08  3-4. 
Frogtown,   by   imp.    Bonnie   Scotland,   Lexington,    Ky.,   May    1872, 
2  :©9  1-2. 

Monitor,  by  imp.  Glenelg,  Prospect  Park,  Sept.  9,  1879,  2  :10. 
Parole,  by  imp.  Leamington,  Saratoga,  July  20,  1878,  2  :10  1-2. 
Mate,  by  imp.  Australian,  Jerome  Park,  Oct.  3,  1874,  2:11  3-4. 
R-eakness,  by  Lexington,  Jerome  Park,  June  13,  1874,  2  :12. 

ONE    MILE  AND  THREE-EIGHTHS. 

Spendthrift,  by  imp.  Australian,  Jerome  Park,  June  10,  1879,  2  :25  3-4. 
Gov.  Hampton,  by  Planet,  Prospect  Park,  June  21,  1879,  2  :26  1-2. 
Bramble,  by  imp.  Bonnie  Scotland,  Long  Branch,  July  10,  1879,  2  :27. 

ONE  AND  A  HALF    MILES. 

Tom  Bowling,*  by  Lexington,   May  12,  1874,  2  :34  3-4. 
Parole,  by  imp.  Leamington,  Saratoga,  Aug.  14,  1877,  2  ;36  3-4. 
Lord  Murphy,  by  Pat  Maloy,  Louisville,  May  20,  1879,  2  :37. 
Day  Star,  by  Star  Davis,  Louisville,  May  21,  1878,  2  :37  1-2. 
Aristides,  by  imp.  Leamington,  Louisville,  Ky.,'May  7,  1875,  2:37  3-4. 
Glenelg,  by  Citadel,  Long  Branch,  Aug.  2,  1870,  2  :37  3-4. 
Shylock.  by  Lexington,  Jerome  Park,  Oct.  31,  1874,  2:38. 
Baden  Baden,  by  imp.  Australian,  Louisville,  May  22,  1877,  2:38. 


RACING,    OR   TUKF   HORSES.  235 

Vagrant,  by  Virgil,  Louisville,  May  14,  1877,  2  :38  1-4. 

Peru,  by  imp.  Glengarry,  Lexington,  Ky.,  Sept.  11,  1879,  2:38  3-4. 

Belle  of  Nelson,  by  Hunter's  Lexington,  Louisville,  May  23,  1878,  2 :39. 

Imp.  Saxon,by  Beadsman,  Belmont  stakes,  Jerome  Park,  June  13,1874, 
2:39  1-2. 

Tom  Ochiltree,  by  Lexington,  Jerome  Park,  Oct.  14,  1877,  2  :43. 

Zoo  Zoo,  by  imp.  Australian,  Saratoga,  Aug.  21,  1877,  2  :43  1-4. 

Duke  of  Magenta,  by  Lexington,  Jerome  Park,  June  8,  1878,  2  :43  1-2. 

*Tom  Bowling  was  permitted  to  extend  the  run  to  two  miles.  He  raa 
the  first  mile  in  1 :41  3-4  ;  mile  and  a  half  in  2  :34  3-4  ;  one  and  three- 
quarters  miles  in  3 :00  3-4  ;  and  two  miles  in  3 :27  3-4.  The  last  tw© 
unofficial. 

ONE  MILE  AND  FIVE-EIGHTHS. 

Ten  Broek,  by  imp,  Phaeton,  Lexington,  Ky.,  Sept.  9,  1875,  2:49  1.4. 

Monitor,  by  imp.  Glenelg,  Prospect  Park,  Sept.  13,  1879,  2  :50  1-2. 

Springbok,  by  imp.  Australian,  Jerome  Park,  June  20,  1874,  2  :53. 

Brademante,  by  War  Dance,  Lexington,  May  17,  1877,  2  :53  3-4. 

Harry  Bassett,  by  Lexington,  Belmonte  stakes,  Jerome  Park,  June  10, 
1871,2:56. 

Mintzer,  by  imp.  Glenelg,  Saratoga,  July  23,  1879,  2:58. 

Katie  Pease,  by  Plant,  Ladies'  stake,  Jerome  Park,  June  11,  1873, 
S  :58  1-4. 

ONE  AND  THREE-QUARTER  MILES. 

One  Dime,  by  Wanderer,  Lexington.  Sept.  12, 1879,  3:05  1-4. 
Irish  King,  by  Longfellow,  Sept.  25,  1879,  3  ;05  1-4. 
Courier,  by  Star  Davis,  Louisville,  May  23,  1877,  3  :05  1-4. 
Reform,  by  imp.  Leamington,  Saratoga,  Aug.  20,  1874,  3:05  3^4. 
Mate,  by  imp.  Australian,  Long  Branch,  July  15,  1875,  3:06  1-4. 
D'Artagnan,  by  Lightning,  Saratoga,  July  24,  1875,  3:06  1-2. 
Gen.  Phillips,  by  imp.  Glenelg,  Saratoga,  Aug.  5,  1879,  3:06  1-2. 
Emma  C,  by  Planet,  Louisville,  Ky.,  Sept.  23,  1875,  3:06  3-4. 
Frogtown,  by  imp.  Bonnie  Scotland,  Lexington,  Ky.,  May  26,  1872, 

Danicheff,  by  Glenelg,  Saratoga,  Aug.  9,  1879,  3  ;07. 

Gov.  Hampton,  by  Planet,  Prospect  Park,  Sept.  9,  1879,  3 :07  1-2. 

Kenny,  by  Curies,  Prospect  Park,  June  25,  1879,  3  :07  1-2. 

Leveler,  by  Lever,  Lexington,  Sept.  9,  1878,  3  :07  1-2. 

Neecy  Hale,  by  Lexington,  Lexington,  Ky.,  Sept.  14,  1876,  3  -.07  5-4. 

Catesby,  by  imp.  Eclipse,  Saratoga,  Aug.  15,  1874,  3  :07  3-4. 

Parole,  by  imp.  Leamington,  Saratoga,  Aug.  11,  1877,  3:08. 

Kennesafv,  ])j  imp.  Glengarry,  St.  Louis,  June  5,  1878,  3:08. 


234  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK   DOCTOR. 

Duke  of  Magenta,  by  Lexington,  Saratoga,  July  20,  1878,  3:08. 

Joe  Daniels,  by  imp.  Australian,  Travers'  Stake,  Saratoga,  July  15, 
1872,  3  :08  1-4. 

Preakness,  by  Lexington,  Baltimore,  Oct.  21,  1864,  3  :08  1-2. 

Viceroy,  by  Gilroy,  Saratoga,  Aug.  9,  1877,  3  :08  1-2. 

Volturno,  by  imp.  Billet,  Brighton  Beach,  Sept.  16,  1879,  3  :08  1-2. 

Atilla,  by  imp.  Australian,  Travers's  Stake,  Saratoga,  July  25,  1874, 
3  :09  1-2,  3  :08  3-4.     The  first  was  a  dead  heat  with  Acrobat. 

Mintzer,  by  imp.  Glenelg,  Saratoga,  July  28,  1879,  3  :09  1-4. 

Falsetto,  by  Enquirer,  Saratoga,  July  19,  1879,  3  :09  1-4. 

Zoo  Zoo,  by  imp.  Australian,  Saratoga,  Aug.  2,  1877,  3  ;10. 

TWO    MILES. 

Ten  Broeck,  by  imp.  Phaeton,  against  time,  Louisville,  May  29,  1877, 
3;27  1-2. 

McWhirter,  by  Enquirer,  Louisville,  May  28,  1877,  3  :30  1-2. 

Courier,  by  Star  Davis,  Louisville,  May  28, 1877,  3  :31  3-4. 

Katie  Pease,*  by  Planet,  Buffalo,  Sept.  9,  1874,  3  :32  1-2. 

True  Blue,  by  Lexington,  Saratoga,  July  30,  1873,  3  :32  1-2. 

Jack  Frost,  by  Jack  Malone,  Cleveland,  O.,  July  31,  1874,  3  : 33  1-2. 

Glenmore,  by  imp.  Glen  Athol,  Detroit,  July  5,  1879,  3  :33  1-2. 

Lizzie  Lucas,  by  imp.  Australian,  Saratoga,  Aug.  21,  1874,  3  :33  3-4. 

Creedmoor,  by  Asteroid,  Louisville,  Ky.,  Sept.  20,  1876,  3:34. 

Geo.  Graham,  by  Rogers  ;  first  heat ;  Louisville,  Ky.,  Sept.  25.  1875, 
3:34. 

Lord  Murphy,  by  Pat  Malloy,  Louisville,  Sept.  22,  1879,  3  :34. 

King  Alfonso,  by  imp.  Phaeton,  Louisville,  Ky.,  Sept.  20, 1875,  3  :34  1-2. 

Hegira,  by  imp.  Ambassador,  New  Orleans,  La.,  Nov.  23, 1850,  3  :34  1-2. 

Littleton,  by  imp.  Leamington,  Lexington,  Ky.,  May  23, 1871,  3  :34  1-2. 

Monitor,  by  imp.  Glenelg,  Baltimore,  Oct.  21,  1879,  3  :34  3-4. 

Wilful,  by  imp.  Australian,  Prospect  Park,  June  24,  1879,  3:34  3-4. 

Charlie  Howard,  by  Lexington,  Saratoga,  Aug.  10,  1876,  3:35. 

Vandalite,  by  Vandal,  Breckinridge  Stake,  Baltimore,  Oct.  23,  1874, 
a -.35. 

Himyar,  by  Alarm,  Louisville,  Sept.  25,  1879,  3:35. 

Falsetto,  by  Enquirer,  Saratoga,  Aug.  14,  1879,  3:35  1-4. 

Volturno,  by  imp.  Billet,  Baltimore,  Oct.  25,  1879,  3:35  1-4. 

Vandalite,  by  Vandal,  Dixie  Stake,  Baltimore,  Oct.  20,  1874,  3:35  1-2. 

Harry  Basset,  by  Lexington,  Saratoga,  Aug.  16,  1871,  3:35  1-4. 

Vigil,  by  Virgil,  Baltimore,  Oct.  28,  1876,  3 :37  1-4. 

*Katie  Pease  came  in  first,  but  was  disqualified,  and  race  given  to 
LAaeXe  Lucas. 


BACING,   OR   TURF   HORSES.  235 

TWO  MILE  HEATS. 

•Brademante,  by  War  Dance,  Jackson,  Miss.,  Nov.  17,  1877  (?) 
3:32  1-4,3:29.?, 

Willie  D.,  by  Revolver,  Prospect  Park,  Sept.  11,  1879,  3  :34  1-2,  3 :35. 

Lottery,  by  Monday,  Sacramento,  Cal,  Sept.  21,  1878,  3:36,  3:35  1-2. 

Arizona,  by  Lexington,  Louisville,  Ky.,  May  18,  1875,  3 :37  1-4, 
« :35  1-2. 

Aureola,  by  War  Dance,  Lexington,  Sept.  18,  1872,  3 :37  3-4,  3 :35: 1-2. 

London,  by  Lightning,  Nashville,  Oct.  5,  1872,  3:36  3-4,  3:37  1-4. 

Bushwhacker,  by  imp.  Bonnie  Scotland,  Baltimore,  Oct.  22,  1878, 
*:36,  3. -36  1-2,  3:38  1-2. 

Princeton  won  second  heat  by  head.  Bushwhacker  second  ;  best  aver- 
age three  heats. 

Belle  of  Nelson,  by  Hunter's  Lexington,  Cincinnati,  June  1,  1878, 
3:37  1-4,3:36  1-4. 

MoUie  Jones,  by  Roxbury,  Galesburg,  Bl.,  July  4,  1874 ;  Rocket  woa 
first  heat,  3:36,  3:40,  3:37  1-4. 

Eolus,  by  imp.  Leamington,  Baltimore,  May  28,  1874 ;  the  fastest 
third  heat,  3  :40,  3  :39  1-4,  3 :36  3-4. 

Lancaster,  by  Lexington,  Lexington,  Ky.,  Sept.  12,  1867,  3:35  1-4, 
3:38  1-4. 

Jack  Sheppard,  by  Jack  Malone,  Nashville,  Oct.  12,  1876,  3  :35  3-4, 
3:42  1-2. 

Irish  King,  by  Longfellow,  Baltimore,  Oct.  21, 1879,  3  :37  3-4,  3  :37  3-4. 

Harkaway,  by  Enquirer,  St.  Louis,  June  7,  1878,  3  :39,  3;35  1-4. 

*Brademante's  time  very  doubtful. 

TWO  MILES  AND  ONE-EIGHTH. 

Aristides,  by  imp.  Leamington,  Lexington,  Ky.,  May  10, 1876, 3  -45  1-2. 
Mate,  by  imp.  Australian,  Saratoga,  July  31,  1875,  3:46  3-4. 
Monmouth,  by  War  Dance,  Louisville,  May  19,  1875,  3:48  1-4. 
Big  Fellow,  by  War  Dance,  May  15,  1874,  3  : 50. 
Dave  Moore,  by  Longfellow,  Lexington,  May  16,  1879,  3:50  1-2. 
Ferida,  by  imp.  Glenelg,  Prospect  Park,  Sept.  5,  1879,  3  :54. 
Springbok,  by  imp.  Australian,  Saratoga,  Aug.  3,  1874,  3  :56. 
Sultana,  by  Lexington,  Jerome  Park,  Oct.  7,  1876,  3  :56  3-4. 

TWO  MILES  AND  A  QUARTER. 

Preakness,  by  Lexington  ;  Springbok,  by  imp.  Australian,  dead  heat, 
3:  56  1-4. 

Harry  Bassett,  by  Lexington,  Saratoga,  July  16,  1872,  3  :59. 
Wanderer,  by  Lexington,  Saratoga,  Aug.  13,  1874,  4  :00  1-2. 
Kentucky,  by  Lexington,  Saratoga,  Aug.,  1865,  4:01  1-2. 
Fortuna,  by  Enquirer,  Louisville,  May  23,  1879,  4:01  1-2, 


236  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

Bramble,  by  imp.  Bonnie  Scotland,  Baltimore,  May  24,  1879,  4:02. 
Mollie  McCarty,  by  Monday  or  Eclipse,  Chicago,  June  25,  1879,  4 :02L 
Muggins,  by  Jack  Malone,  Saratoga,  Aug.,  1867,  4:03. 

TWO  AND  A  HALF  MILES. 

Aristides,  by  imp.  Leamington,  Lexington,  Ky.,May  13, 1876,4 :27  1-2. 
Katie  Pease,  by  Planet,  Buffalo,  Sept.  10,  1874,  4 :28  1-2. 
Ballankeel,  by  Asteroid,  Baltimore,  Oct.  22,  1874,  4:31  3-4. 
Helmbold,  by  imp.  Australian,  Long  Branch,  July  30,  4 :32  1-2. 
Tom  Ochiltree,  by  Lexington,  Jerome  Park,  June  18,  1877,  4:36  1-2. 
Edinburgh,  by  Longfellow,  Cincinnati,  June  7,  1879,  4:36  1-2. 

TWO  MILES  AND  FIVE-EIGHTHS. 

Ten  Broeck,  by  imp.  Phaeton,  Lexington,  Ky.,  1876,  4:58  1-2. 

TWO  MILES  AND  THREE-QUARTERS. 

Hubbard,  by  Planet,  Saratoga,  1873,  4:58  3-4. 

Kentucky,  by  Lexington,  Jerome  Park,  Oct.  3,  1866,  5  :04. 

Tom  Ochiltree,  by  Lexington,  Jerome  Park,  June  17,  1876,  5  :09  1-4. 

THREE  MILES. 

Ten  Broeck,  by  imp.  Phaeton,  Louisville,  Ky.,  Sept.  23, 1876,  5  :26  1-2. 
Monarchist,  by  Lexington,   at  Jerome  Park,  1872  ;  first  mile,  1  ;45 ; 
i  U  1-2. 

Tom  Ochiltree,  by  Lexington,  Long  Branch,  July  6,  1876,  5 :35  3-4. 

THREE  MILE  HEATS. 

Brown  Dick,  by  imp.  Margrave,  New  Orleans,  April  10,  1865 ;  the 
btwst  second  heat  on  record,  and  second  best  three  mile  heat  race, 
5:30  3-4;  5:28. 

Mollie  Jackson,  by  Vandal,  Louisville,  Ky.,  May  25,  1861;  Sherrod 
won  the  second  heat.  The  last  two  miles  of  the  first  heat  were  run  in 
3:35;  the  last  two  of  the  second  heat  in  3:36  3-4:  the  ninth  mile  in 
1 :48  1-4.  This  is  the  best  three  heats  and  the  best  third  heat  on  record, 
5 :35  1-2  ;  5  ;34  3-4  ;  5  :28  3-4. 

Norfolk,  by  Lexington,  Sacramento,  Cal.,  Sept.  23,  1875;  best  aver- 
age two  heats,  5  :27  1-2  ;  5  :29  1-2. 

Vandal,  by  imp.  Glencoe,  Lexington,  May  26,   1855,   5:36  1-2;  5:33. 

Whisper  by  Planet,  St.  Louis,  June,  8,  1878,  5  :39  ;  5 :35  1-2. 

FOUR  MILES. 

Ten  Broeck,  by  imp.  Phaeton,  vs.  Fellowcraft's  time,  Louisville,  Ky., 
Sept.  7,  1876,  7:14  3-4. 

Fellowcraft,  by  imp.  Australian,  Saratoga,  Aug.  20,  1874,  7  :19  1-2. 


RACING,   OK  TURF   HORSES.  237 

Lexington,  by  Boston,  vs.  time,  New  Orleans,  La.,  April  2,  1855, 
7 :17  3-4. 

Lexington,  by  Boston,  beating  Lecomte,  New  Orleans,  April  14,  1855, 
7 ;23  3-4. 

Janet,  by  Lightning,  Louisville,  Sept.  27,  1879,  7  :29. 

Wildidle,  by  imp.  Australian,  San  Francisco,  Oct.  28,  1875,  7  :25  1-2. 

Idlewild,  by  Lexington,  over  Centreville  Course,  L.  I.,  June  25, 1863, 
7 :26  1-4. 

Thad.  Stevens,  by  Langford,  best  second  heat,  California,  Oct.  18, 
1873,  7  :30. 

Kentucky,  by  Lexington,  Saratoga,  1866,  7  :31  1-2. 

Silent  Friend,  by  imp.  Australian,  New  Orleans,  Api-il  21, 1873, 7  :30  1-2. 

Kentucky,  by  Lexington,  vs.  time  at  Jerome  Park,  1867 ;  first  two 
miles,  3  :36  ;  first  three  5  :29  ;  7  :31  3-4. 

Abd-el-Kader,  by  Australian,  Saratoga,  1869,  7  :31  3-4. 

Abd-el-Koree,  by  imp.  Australian,  Jerome  Park,  Fall  1871 ;  best  time 
for  a  three-year-old,  7  :33. 

Monarchist,  by  Lexington,  Jerome  Park,  1872 ;  first  two  miles,  3 :39 
3-4  ;  first  three,  5  :36  ;  7  :33  1-2. 

Tom  Ochiltree,  by  Lexington,  Jerome  Park,  Oct.  12,  1876,  7  :36. 

FOUR   MILE    HEATS. 

Lecompte,  by  Boston,  at  New  Orleans,  April  8,  1854,  beating  Lexing- 
ton and  Reube,  7  : 26,  7  : 38  1-4. 

Rupee,  by  Voucher,  April  10,  1858,  7  :39,  7  :35. 

Miss  Foot,  by  imp.  Consol,  at  New  Orleans,  March  26,  1842,  8:02, 
7:35. 

Fashion,  by  imp.  Trustee,  over  Union  Course,  L.  I.,  May  10,  1842, 
beating  Boston  match,  7  :32  1-2,  7  :45. 

Morgan  Scout,  by  John  Morgan,  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  1870,  best  race 
ever  run  in  Kentucky,  7  :32  1-2,  7  :43  1-2. 

George  Martin,  by  Garrison  Zinganzee,  beating  Hannah  Harris  and 
Reel,  March  29,  1843.     Reel  broke  down  in  first  heat,  7  :33,  7  :43. 

Bushwhacker,  by  imp.  Bonnie  Scotland,  Baltimore,  Oct.  26,  1878. 
Princeton  won  second  heat,  7  :31,  7  :36  1-4,  8  :29. 

Glenmore,  by  imp.  Glen  Athol,  Baltimore,  two  and  three  heats,  beet 
third  heat,  7  :29  1-2,  7  :30  1-4  7  :31. 

Tally-ho,  by  Boston,  at  Union  Course,  L.  I.,  Oct.  8,  1849  ;  Free  Trade 
won  the  first  heat,  Boston  the  third,  and  Tally-ho  second  and  fourth, 
7  :33  1-2,  7  :43  1-2,  7  :52,  8  :10  1-2. 

HURDLE    RACES. 

Joe  Rodes,  by  Virgil,  mile  heats,  over  four  hurdles,  St.  Louis,  June  i, 
1878,  1 :50  3-4,  1 :50  1-4. 


238  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 

Judith,  by  imp.  Glenelg,  mile  heats,  over  four  hurdles,  Piospect  Park, 
Sept.  11,  1879,  1  ;52,  1 :52. 

Lobelia,  by  imp.  Bonnie  Scotland,  mile  heats,  over  four  hurdles,  Fash- 
ion Course,  L.  I.,  Sept.  11,  1869,  1 :51  3-4,  1 :53  1-4. 

Waller,  by  imp.  Hurrah,  one  and  a  quarter  miles,  over  five  hurdles, 
Saratoga,  Aug.  14,  1878,  2:21  1-2. 

Disturbance,  by  Chillicothe,  one  and  a  quarter  miles,  over  5  hurdles, 
Saratoga,  Aug.  22,  1878,  2  :21  3-4. 

Problem,  by  Pimlico,  one  and  a  half  miles  over  6  hurdles,  Long 
Branch,  July  5,  1879,  2:50. 

Derby,  by  Eugene,  one  and  a  half  miles,  over  six  hurdles.  Long  Branch, 
July  2,  1878,  2  :52. 

Judith,  by  imp.  Glenelg,  one  and  three-quarter  miles,  over  seven  nur^ 
dies.  Long  Branch,  Aug.  28,  1879,  3  :36  1-2. 

Tom  Leathers,  by  Camps  Whale,  two  miles,  over  eight  hurdles.  New 
Orleans,  April  16,  1875,  3:47  1-2. 

Redman,  by  War  Dance,  two  miles,  over  eight  hurdles,  Louisville,  Ky., 
May  19,  1876,  3  :48  1-2. 

Captain  Hutchinson,  by  Voucher,  two  miles,  over  eight  hurdles,  Co- 
lumbus, O.,  July  3,  1875,  3:50. 

Jonesboro,  by  Lexington,  two  miles,  over  eight  hurdles,  welter  weights  ; 
New  Orleans,  April  11,  1868,  3:51  1-2. 

Milesian,  by  imp.  Mickey  Free,  two  miles,  over  eight  hurdles,  welter 
weights;  Long  Branch,  Aug.  3,  1872,  3:52  1-2. 

Cariboo,  by  Lexington,  two  and  a  quarter  miles,  over  nine  hurdles. 
Long  Branch,  1875,  4 :33. 

STEEPLE    CHASES. 

Dead  Head,  by  Julius,  about  two  and  three-quarter  miles,  thirty-six 
leaps,  Saratoga,  Aug.  26,  1878,  5  :33  1-2 

Trouble,  by  Ulverston,  about  two  and  three-quarter  miles,  thirty-six 
leaps,  Saratoga,  Aug.  19,  1876,  5  :34  3-4. 

Duffey,  by  Hunter's  Lexington,  about  two  and  three-quarter  miles, 
thirty-six  leaps,  Saratoga,  Aug.  5,  1873,  5  :48  3-4. 

FASTEST   TROTTING    TO   WAGON. 

One  mile,  Judge  Fullerton,  San  Francisco,  Nov.,  1874,  time  2:20  1-2. 
Two  miles,  Gen.  Butler  and  Dexter,  each  a  heat,  Long  Island,  1863,  tima 
A:56  1-4. 

Three  miles,  Kemble  Jackson,  June,  1853,  time  8  :03. 

Four  miles,  Longfellow,  Dec.  31,  1869,  time  10:34  1-2. 

Five  miles,  Little  Mack,  Long  Island,  Oct.  29,  1863,  time  13  :43  1-2. 

Twenty  miles,  John  Stewart,  Long  Island,  Sept.  22,  1868,  time  59  :23. 


RACING,   <ni   TURF   HORSES.  233 

TBAINING   TO   TROTTINQ. 

The  idea  of  the  average  horse  owner  is  that  training  means  pampering 
the  horse.  Nothing  could  be  further  from  the  mark.  It  truly  means 
the  very  best  and  most  intelligent  care,  feeding  and  exercise  for  the  work 
to  to  be  performed,  and  this  exercise  must  be  in  proportion  to  the 
distance. 

The  artificial  care  given  the  horse  in  confinement  renders  blankets  k 
necessary  for  all  fast  working  horses.  Doubly  so  for  turf  horses,  whose 
pace  is  of  the  most  exhausting  kind.  To  get  rid  of  superfluous  flesh 
sweating  and  exercise  is  necessary.  The  superfluous  flesh  and  undue 
moisture  of  the  body  having  been  properly  reduced,  then  the  pace  of  the 
horse  should  correspond  to  that  expected  in  the  final  trial.  That  is  for 
mile  heats  a  faster  pace  will  be  required  than  for  longer  heats,  but  the 
horse  must  be  carefully  worked  up  to  the  point,  the  improvement  being 
carefully  and  intelligently  watched,  that  as  the  day  of  trial  approaches 
he  may  have  a  real  trial  of  speed  for  the  distance  to  be  trotted.  There 
is,  however,  no  rule  that  can  be  laid  down  as  to  the  amount  of  work  to 
be  done  before  this  trial  takes  place.  It  will  depend  upon  his  condition 
while  at  work  and  the  manner  in  which  he  accomplishes  his  brushes,  as 
spurts  of  speed  are  called  for  short  distances.  These  are  among  the 
most  important  parts  of  training,  since  they  tend  not  only  to  extend 
the  stride  of  the  horse  and  improvement  in  speed,  but  the  manner  of 
coming  out  of  them  will  indicate  the  condition  of  the  animal. 

High-strung,  eager,  generous  horses  must  be  handled  in  a  very  differ- 
ent manner  from  sterner  tempered  ones.  In  any  case,  the  horse  must 
come  to  place  implicit  confidence  in  his  driver.  The  first  must  be  re^ 
strained  ;  the  second  urged.  The  first  named  seldom  have  the  power  to 
accomplish  all  they  would.  The  second  must  be  made  to  know  that  it  is 
speed  and  distance  that  is  required,  and  that  they  must  go  the  pace  if  it 
is  in  them. 

Feeding  is  essentially  important.  Some  horses  crave  much  hay.  Such 
must  be  restrained ;  some  gluttons  will  eat  their  bedding.  If  so,  they 
must  be  muzzled  when  not  feeding,  and  always  so  at  night.  If  a  horse 
is  so  light  a  feeder  that  he  will  not  eat  twelve  quarts  of  oats  a  day,  he 
may  have  a  little  Indian  corn,  but  this  only  in  exceptional  cases.  Sound, 
heavy  oats,  thoroughly  cleaned  and  sifted,  should  constitute  the  feed  of 
the  trotting  horse,  or  any  horse  of  fast  work.  The  light  feeder  must  be 
carefully  watched  in  his  work.  Some  horses  will  eat  fourteen  to  sixteen 
quarts  of  oats  a  day.  Such  should  have  corresponding  exercise  ;  for  in 
no  event  must  fat  be  allowed  to  accumulate.  We  should  prefer  to  limit 
any  horse,  however  large  and  powerful,  to  fourteen  quarts  of  oats  pet 


240  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 

day,  or  rather  to  that  number  of  pounds.  As  a  rule  twelve  quarts  or 
pounds  should  suffice  for  the  average  horse. 

Hiram  Woodruff,  than  whom  there  is  no  better  authority,  in  his  work 
on  *'The  Trotting  Horse  of  America,"  in  relation  to  the  preparation 
which  precedes  the  first  trial,  says  : 

During  the  preparation  which  precedes  the  first  trial,  it  will  be  neces- 
sary to  give  the  horse  one  or  two  sweats.  Whether  it  ought  to  be  one  or 
two  must  be  indicated  by  the  condition  and  nature  of  the  animal,  the  races 
in  which  he  is  engaged,  and  resolved  by  the  judgment  of  the  trainer.  The 
amount  of  clothes  in  which  he  shall  be  sweated  must  be  determined  by 
the  same  considerations.  Some  may  require  a  blanket  and  hood,  and  a 
wrapper  round  the  neck  to  start  the  perspiration  out  of  them  :  while 
there  are  others  that  will  sweat  freely  with  but  little  clothes,  and  scrape 
well  when  more  have  been  thrown  on  at  the  end  of  the  jog.  One  thing 
may  certainly  be  said,  that  a  sweat  obtained  without  the  use  of  heavy 
clothing  is  more  satisfactory  and  better  than  one  with  it,  provided  the 
latter  method  does  not  include  a  good  deal  more  work  to  get  the  sweat. 
Only  a  moderate  quantity  of  clothing  and  little  work  while  the  horse  is  going 
are  the  best  for  a  sweat,  if  a  good  scrape  can  thus  be  obtained.  When  the 
horse  comes  from  the  drive,  and  is  taken  out  of  the  wagon,  he  will  soon 
be  ready  to  scrape.  That  done,  he  must  be  blanketed  up  again,  and 
walked  about  out  of  the  draft.  A  favorable  day  for  the  sweat  ought  to 
be  taken  advantage  of,  as  a  matter  of  course.  Another  light  scrape  may 
probably  be  had  after  some  little  time  spent  in  walking  in  the  blankets  ; 
but,  if  the  perspiration  does  not  continue  so  as  to  give  this  second  scrape, 
it  is  not  to  be  forced  .:>y  more  work  in  the  clothes.  To  be  of  use  in  itself, 
and  as  a  satisfactory  indication  that  the  condition  of  the  horse  is  advanced 
it  must  come  of  itself.  During  the  time  this  scraping  process  is  in 
course  of  operation,  the  trainer  having  the  conduct  of  it  should  not  be  in 
a  hurry.  The  same  things  that  are  said  to  cure  a  man's  cold — patience 
and  a  little  water-gruel — will  often  do  wonders  in  procuring  a  good 
sweat.  Commonly,  however,  it  is  easy  enough  to  get  the  sweat  and 
scrape,  but  more  difficult  to  cool  the  horse  out  properl3\  In  order  to  do 
this  well,  he  is  to  be  clothed  again,  and  led  very  gently  about  for  a 
considerable  period,  so  that  he  may  become  cool  gradually,  and  the  per- 
spiration may  dry  away  by  degrees.  This  walking  is  to  be  out  of  all 
draft  as  much  as  possible ;  and  it  will  not  do  to  hurry  it  over,  and  go  to 
the  stable,  until  the  horse  has  cooled  off  well  and  gradually.  When  the 
proper  state  has  been  reached ,  the  horse  is  to  be  taken  into  the  stable  and 
his  body  is  to  be  well  dreesed.  This  done,  he  is  to  be  re-clothed,  and 
again  led  into  the  air. 

A  few  sups  of  gruel,  made  of  Indian  meal  or  fine  shorts,  from  halt  a 


RACI^'G,    OK   TURF    HORSES.  241 

pint  to  a  pint  of  the  meal  stirred  into  a  bucket  of  water  may  now  be 
given  to  the  horse,  or  water  with  the  chill  taken  off  it  may  be  used  as  a 
substitute  for  the  gruel.  When  taken  into  the  stable  again,  which  will 
be  after  a  little  "more  walking  about  in  the  air,  the  legs  are  to  be  put  in 
tubs  of  warm  water,  the  body  clothing  being  kept  on.  The  legs  are  then 
to  be  well  washed  with  the  water  and  castile  soap,  and  when  dried  off  to 
be  bandaged.  These  bandages  should  be  of  light  flannel,  and  it  is  imma- 
terial whether  it  is  red  or  white.  They  are  not  to  be  put  on  tight.  The 
legs  of  a  horse  ought  never  to  be  bandaged  tight,  for  such  a  course  im- 
pedes the  circulation  into  the  feet,  where  there  is  a  great  necessity  for  it ; 
but  losing  sight  of  this,  the  bandages  are  sometimes  pulled  so  that  it 
looks  as  if  they  were  intended  to  serve  as  a  tourniquet,  and  stop  the  cir- 
culation of  the  blood  altogether.  Neither  can  it  serve  any  useful  purpose, 
that  I  can  see,  to  bind  the  suspensory  ligament  up  to  the  bone  of  the  leg. 
Nature  intended  that  in  the  horse  it  should  stand  out  from  it,  as  we  see  iri 
the  fine  flat  legs  of  the  best  runners  and  trotters.  Whatever  support  is 
required  may  be  obtained  with  only  a  moderate  degree  of  tightness  ;  and  I 
have  sometimes  thought  that  an  elastic  stocking,  such  as  our  best  surgeons 
use  in  cases  of  bad  strain  to  the  nerves  and  muscles  of  the  human  foot 
and  ankle,  would  be  a  very  useful  article  in  a  training-stable. 

DRIVING. 

The  average  farmer's  boy  supposes  he  can  drive  a  trotting  horse.  Has 
he  not  seen  the  pictures  of  drivers  sitting  back,  apparently  holding  to  the 
reins  with  a  grasp,  as  though  the  stronger  the  horse  was  pulled  the  faster 
he  could  go  ?  Such  driving  never  got  speed  out  of  a  horse.  The  best 
drivers  simply  allow  the  horse  to  pull  on  the  bit  with  sufficient  force  to 
steady  himself,  and  this  pulling  force  must  be  gi-aduated  according  to 
circumstances.  It  is  true  many  fast  horses  are  hard  pullers,  and  gener- 
ally so  from  defects  in  training.  The  bit  and  reins  are  intended  simply 
as  the  medium  of  communication  between  the  horse  and  the  driver,  and 
the  more  intelligently  the  horse  is  trained  to  their  use,  the  more  will  be 
got  out  of  him.  The  horse  should  be  taught  to  take  a  firm  hold  of  the 
bit,  not  for  the  purpose  of  pulling  upon,  but  that  the  driver  may  give  the 
horse  needed  support  and  steadiness,  and  that  intelligent  action  may  be 
established  between  the  driver  and  the  horse. 

The  object  of  keeping  the  horse  well  in  command  during  fast  work,  on 
the  road  as  well  as  on  the  track,  is  that  he  may  instantly  respond  to  the 
wish  of  the  driver  through  the  medium  of  the  reins.  Thus  he  may  be 
pressed  from  day  to  day  in  his  speed,  until  he  at  last  comes  to  the  full 
measure  of  his  powers. 

Although  trotting  speed  does  not  come  to  the  horse  until  some  years 


242  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

after  he  is  fully  developed  in  growth,  the  history  of  trotting  shows  that 
this  increase  of  speed  continues  to  develop  until  the  horse  is  from  ten  to 
twelve  years  old.  Hence  there  should  be  no  hurry  to  develop  the  animal 
while  young.  He  should  be  driven  from  the  time  he  is  three  years  old, 
sufficient  to  cause  him  to  lengthen  his  stride  as  much  as  possible.  He 
should  be  taught  to  listen  quickly,  never  to  frighten  or  shy  at  any  ob- 
ject, and  this  by  familiarizing  him  with  whatever  may  be  near.  In  his 
brushes,  either  on  the  road  or  the  track,  however  sharp  they  may  be, 
they  should  never  be  extended  until  the  animal  shows  signs  of  distress. 
When  he  is  being  regularly  trained  for  some  public  trial  of  speed,  it  will 
b«  time  enough  to  find  out  if  he  can  go  the  desired  pace. 

DRIVING   ON   THE    ROAD. 

Road  driving,  like  driving  or  riding  a  race,  is  a  fine  art.  In  road 
driving  the  object  is  not  only  to  get  good  speed  out  of  the  animal  driven, 
but  he  must  also  be  made  to  go  in  fine  style.  With  a  horse  of  naturally 
fine  action,  this,  if  the  driver  understands  his  business,  is  not  difficult.  If 
not  a  horse  of  naturally  fine  style  and  action,  he  may  be  spoiled.  For 
road  work  the  horse  should  have  been  better  flexed  than  when  he  is  to 
be  used  for  trotting  a  race.  He  must  be  able  to  turn  out  quickly  and 
handsomely  in  passing  or  meeting  other  teams.  When  being  driven 
slowly,  he  must  carry  himself  handsomely.  Thus  something  must  be 
sacrificed  to  this  end. 

Every  horse  should  have  a  perfect  fitting  bit.  It  should  be  of  the 
proper  size  and  length  for  the  mouth,  and  this  can  only  be  decided  by 
trial.  Keep  trying  different  bits  until  you  find  one  in  which  the  horse 
works  comfortably.  Above  all,  in  handling  a  young  horse  do  not  injure 
the  mouth  with  a  cruel  or  rough  bit.  Above  all,  never  be  so  cruel  as  k) 
jerk  his  mouth  with  the  reins.  The  bit  is  the  medium  of  communication 
between  the  driver  and  the  horse.  If  there  is  any  speed  in  the  horse,  it 
is  to  be  gotten  out  of  him  by  means  of  the  bit,  and  hence  the  more  sens- 
itive you  can  keep  the  mouth,  the  more  likely  you  are  to  succeed.  If 
you  render  the  mouth  numb  or  callous  through  pulling,  twitching,  saw- 
ing or  other  smart  tricks  of  drivers,  you  do  so  to  the  permanent  injury  of 
the  horse.  Therefore  first  acquire  a  nice  touch  yourself,  and  there  wiil 
be  no  difficulty  in  imparting  it  to  the  horse. 

Never  lose  your  temper  with  the  horse.  If  a  horse  does  so  that  is  no 
reason  why  you  should.  Never  strike  a  horse  with  the  whip  for  any 
fault,  and  then  jerk  him  back  with  the  reins.  If  necessary  to  punish 
him,  first  assure  yourself  thal^you  have  him  sufficiently  well  in  hand  so 
he  cannot  "jump  out  of  the  harness."  Have  a  definite  object  in  view, 
for  every  use  of  rein  or  whip.  Above  all  avoid  a  steady,  rigid  pull  on 
ike  horse.     Some  horses  will  not  trot  without  being  pulled  hard.     It  is 


RACING,   OR  TURF   HORSES.  543 

usually  from  defect  in  training.  The  perfect  horse  is  trained  to  pull  just 
sufficient  to  steady  himself  in  harness.  How  Hiram  Woodruff  drove,  he 
tells  in  his  *'  Trotting-Horse  of  America."  No  one,  during  his  life,  or 
since  his  death,  was  better  authority  in  such  matters.  Hence,  we  cannot 
do  better  than  to  give  it  to  our  readers  in  his  exact  words. 

In  order  that  a  fast  horse  should  be  under  circumstances  to  do  his  best, 
he  should  be  as  much  at  his  ease  in  his  harness  and  general  rig  as  possible . 
If  he  is  not,  he  is  placed  at  almost  as  much  disadvantage  as  if  sore  or 
stiff,  or  suffering  from  some  bodily  ailment.  You  may  see  horses  brought 
out  of  the  stable  to  trot  with  a  very  tight  check  to  keep  their  heads  up, 
and  a  tight  martingale  to  keep  them  down.  Such  a  horse  is  in  irons  ;  and 
when  to  this  is  added  a  dead  drag  at  the  reins,  and  no  movement  of  the 
bit  from  end  to  end,  I  cannot  see  how  he  could  do  his  best.  People  talk 
about  a  steady,  bracing  pull ;  but,  in  my  opinion,  that  is  not  the  right 
way  to  drive  a  trotter.  There  is  a  great  difference  between  letting  go  of 
your  horse's  head,  and  keeping  up  one  dull,  deadening  pull  all  the  time. 
The  race-horse  riders  practice  what  is  called  a  bracing  pull ;  and,  a  great 
many  times,  I  have  seen  their  horses  tire  under  it  without  ever  running 
their  best.  The  steady  pull  checked  them.  The  pull  should  be  sufficient 
to  feel  the  mouth,  and  give  some  support  and  assistance,  so  as  to  giv6 
the  horse  confidence  to  get  up  his  stride.  More  than  that  is  mischievous. 
To  keep  the  mouth  alive,  the  bit  must  be  shifted  a  little  occasionally  A 
mere  half -turn  of  the  waist,  or  less  than  half  a  turn,  by  which  the  thumb 
is  elevated  and  the  little  finger  lowered,  is  sufficient  to  shift  the  bit,  keep 
the  mouth  sensitive,  and  rouse  the  horse. 

The  reins  are  to  be  held  steadily  with  both  hands  while  this  play  with 
the  wrist  is  made  ;  and  it  is,  of  course,  only  done  with  one  wrist  at  a  time. 
The  hands  should  be  well  down ;  and  the  driver  ought  not  to  sit  all  of  a 
heap,  with  his  head  forward.  Neither  should  he  lean  back,  with  his  bod', 
ily  weight  on  the  reins,  which,  in  that  case,  are  made  a  sort  of  stay  for 
him.  He  should  be  upright ;  and  what  pulling  he  must  do  should 
be  done  by  the  muscular  force  of  the  arms.  The  head  and  the  arms  are 
what  a  good  driver  uses  ;  but  some  hold  their  arms  straight  out,  and  puU 
by  means  of  putting  the  dead  weight  of  their  bodies  on  the  reins.  If, 
instead  of  lying  back,  and  putting  their  bodily  weight  on  the  reins,  with 
which  latter  they  take  a  turn  round  their  hands,  drivers  would  depend 
upon  their  muscular  strength,  they  could  let  up  on  the  pull,  graduate  it, 
and  so  ease  the  horse  from  time  to  time  instantaneously.  The  driver  who 
depends  upon  the  arms  has  command  of  the  horse :  he  who  substitutes 
bodily  weight  with  the  reins  strapped  round  his  hands,  has  not  half  com- 
mand of  the  horse,  or  of  himself  either ;  and,  if  the  horse  is  a  puller, 
he  will  soon  take  command  of  the  driver.     The  reason  of  it  is,  that  there 


244  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

is  no  intermission  of  the  exertion,  no  let  up,  either  for  man  or  horse. 
Besides,  in  that  way  of  driving,  it  is  impossible  to  give  those  movements 
to  the  bit  which  seem  to  refresh  and  stimulate  the  horse  so  much. 
When  a  horse  has  been  taught  the  signilScance  of  this  movement  of  the 
bit,  the  shift  by  the  turn  of  the  wrist,  he  will  never  fail  to  answer  it,  even 
though  he  should  seem  to  be  at  the  top  of  his  speed.  The  moment  he 
feels  this  little  move  of  the  bit  in  his  sensitive  mouth,  he  will  collect  him- 
self, and  make  another  spurt ;  and  the  value  of  this  way  of  driving  is, 
that  the  horse  is  not  likely  to  break  when  thus  called  upon,  while  a  high- 
strung,  generous  horse,  if  called  upon  for  a  final  effort  with  a  whip,  is  as 
likely  to  break  the  moment  it  falls  on  him  as  not.  I  have  won  many  a 
very  close  heat  by  practising  this  movement,  and  therefore  I  have  no  hes- 
itation in  recommending  it.  It  is  not  difficult  to  acquire,  and  the  horse 
soon  comes  to  know  what  it  means. 

Let  us  come  now  to  the  way  of  taking  nold  of  the  reins.  A  wrap 
around  the  hand,  such  as  running-horse  riders  take,  is  clumsy  and  bad. 
I  do  not  know  whether  many  people  take  hold  of  the  reins  as  I  do,  or 
not.  Perhaps  not.  Sim.  Hoagland  is  the  only  one  who  takes  hold  pre- 
cisely as  I  do,  so  far  as  I  have  observed.  When  we  have  been  jogging 
horses  together  at  early  morning,  we  have  often  talked  over  these  mat- 
ters ;  and,  whether  our  way  was  the  best  way  or  not,  we  could  never  see 
any  other  that  suited  us  half  so  well. 

I  will  try  to  explain  how  I  hold  the  reins  :  I  could  show  it  in  two  sec- 
onds. Take,  first,  the  right-hand  rein.  This,  coming  from  the  bit, 
passes  between  the  little  finger  and  the  third  finger,  over  the  little  finger, 
then  under  the  other  three  fingers,  and  up  over  the  thumb.  The  left- 
hand  rein  is  held  in  the  left  hand  exactly  in  the  same  way ;  but  the  bight 
of  the  slack  of  the  rein  is  also  held  between  the  thumb  and  forefinger 
of  the  left  hand.  This  gives  some  substance  in  that  hand  ;  but,  if  it  is 
found  inconvenient  to  have  it  there  by  those  who  have  small  hands,  it  may 
be  dropped  altogether.  A  firm  grasp  on  each  rein,  with  the  backs  of  the 
hands  up,  and  without  any  wrap,  is  thus  obtained.  It  is  a  great  point  in 
driving  to  be  able  to  shift  the  reach — that  is,  the  length  of  the  hold  you 
take — without  for  an  instant  letting  go  of  the  horse's  head.  With  this 
way  of  holding  the  reins,  it  is  easily  done.  If  I  want  to  shorten  the 
hold  on  the  left  hand  rein  (the  near  one),  I  take  hold  of  that  rein  just 
behind  the  left  hand  with  the  thumb  and  forefinger  of  the  right  hand,  and 
steady  it.  This  is  very  easily  done  ;  and  it  does  not  interfere  at  all  with 
the  command  of  the  off  rein  with  the  right  hand.  The  near  rein  being 
thus  steadied  behind  the  left  hand,  I  slide  that  hand  forward  on  the  rein, 
which  is  kept  over  the  little  finger,  under  the  other  three  fingers,  and  over 
the  thumb  all  the  time,  and  then  shut  the  grasp  again  on  the  new  reach. 


RACING,    OR   TURF    HORSES.  245 

A  shift  with  the  right  hand  is  made  just  in  the  same  way,  by  taking  hold 
and  steadying  the  rein  behind  that  hand  with  the  thumb  and  forefinger  of 
the  left  hand. 

"  I  have  often  observed,  that,  with  other  methods  of  holding  the  reins, 
there  was  great  difficulty  in  shifting  the  reach.  The  driver  tries  to  do  it; 
but,  for  an  instant,  he  has  let  go  of  the  horse's  head  on  one  side  alto 
gether,  and  broken  his  stride.  When  this  is  found  to  be  the  case,  th* 
dead  pull  all  the  time  is  adopted ;  and  this  spoils  the  freedom  and  elas- 
ticity of  the  horse's  stride,  and  chokes  off  his  wind.  I  do  not  intend 
this  to  be  taken  as  instruction  for  professional  drivers.  Every  driver  has 
a  way  of  his  own  ;  and  some  of  them  have  very  good  ways,  for,  as  I 
have  taken  occasion  to  state  before,  they  drive  well.  But  what  I  have 
set  down  above  may  be  of  service  to  gentlemen  who  drive  their  own 
horses,  and  to  those  young  men  who,  having  as  yet  no  settled  method  of 
their  own,  may  think  it  well  enough  to  try  that  which  I  have  found  to 
answer.  Another  word  about  bits.  I  am  opposed  to  the  use  of  severe 
bits,  and  complicated  things  of  that  sort.  Some  of  the  inventors  of  suc^> 
things  say  I  am  prejudiced;  but  I  don't  think  I  am.  If  a  man  has  m 
horse  that  cannot  be  driven  with  a  bar-bit  or  a  snaffle,  he  may  as  well  sell 
him,  except  it  is  a  very  exceptional  case.  Where  are  these  kinds  of 
severe  complicated  bits  most  in  use?  Why,  in  England ;  five  hundred  or 
a  thousand  of  them  are  used  there  to  one  that  is  used  here :  and  where 
do  the  horses  trot  the  best?  These  bits  are  mostly  invented  by  men  who 
have  had  no  practical  experience  whatever  as  to  what  sort  of  driving  a 
fast  trotter  requires  to  keep  his  gait  square  and  b«ld,  and  induce  him  to 
do  his  best  when  it  is  called  for.  When  a  horse  has  a  good  mouth — and 
a  bad  one  is  almost  always  the  fault  of  bad  breaking  and  driving — the 
easier  the  bit  you  use,  the  better  he  will  act  for  you,  and  the  more  speed 
he  will  show  you." 

Trotting  Horses. 
It  has  often  been  said  of  Northern  and  Eastern  men,  that  they  do  not 
take  kindly  to  the  saddle.  In  a  sense  this  is  true,  especially  in  the 
North.  In  England  the  passion  for  riding  in  the  saddle  grew  up  at  a 
time  when  there  were,  so  to  speak,  no  roads.  In  the  earlier  settlement 
of  America,  throughout  the  then  vast  timber  region,  the  same  state  of 
things  existed ;  but  a  people  who  settle  a  new  country  have  somethmg 
else  to  think  of  than  riding  to  hounds  or  other  pleasure  riding.  So  the 
country  became  settled ;  the  level  or  gently  undulating  nature  of  the 
country  rendered  good  roads  passable  at  light  cost,  and  the  absence  of 
preserves  of  game,  a  landed  aristocracy,  and  the  improvement  in  vehicl'^^'* 
for  pleasure  and  use,  tended  to  force  public  taste  in  the  direction  of  driv- 

16 


246 


ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 


ing.     Hence  the  early  appreciation  of  the  trotting  horse,  and  the  won, 
dcrful  development  in  speed  in  this  direction. 

In  the  South,  racing  stock  held  its  own,  and  does  even  to  this  day  ;  and 
nobly  have  they  contested  the  palm  of  victory,  and  successfully,  on  many 


hard  fought  fields  of  racing  blood  in  England  and  our  own  country.  At 
the  North,  however,  the  trotting  horse  now  reigns  supreme.  It  is  the 
"mtcntion  here  to  present  something  of  the  wonderful  increase  in  speed 
"ud  endurance  of  the  trotting  horse  of  America,  with  information  of  the 


RACING,   OR  TURF   HORSES.  447 

most  celebrated  horses  that  early  gave  fashion  to  this  style  of  going,  and 
a  full  list  of  animals  and  performances,  that  the  reader  may  see  at  a 
glance  the  growth  of  this  passion  for  trotting  horses. 

EARLY    TROTTERS. 

Until  1823  we  have  but  little  authentic  information  that  regular  trot- 
ting courses  were  established,  and  not  until  1830  were  fast  trotting 
courses  established.  According  to  Porter's  Spirit  of  the  Times,  the  first 
public  trotting  in  America  for  a  stake  was  a  match  against  time  for  $1,000. 

In  1824,  A.  M.  Giles  trotted  his  horse  28  miles  in  one  hour  and  fifty- 
seven  seconds.  The  same  year  Topgallant  and  Betsey  Baker  were 
matched  to  trot  three  miles  in  harness  for  $1,000  a  side.  The  race  was 
won  by  Topgallant  by  40  yards,  in  8  minutes,  42' seconds.  Topgallant 
also  trotted  12  miles  on  the  road  in  39  minutes.  The  "Albany  pony" 
did  a  mile  in  2  minutes,  40  seconds.  The  Treadwell  mare  did  one  mile 
in  2  :34  ;  and  Boston  Blue  trotted  18  miles  within  the  hour.  Boston 
Blue  is  reported  to  have  been  the  first  horse  that  trotted  a  mile  in  three 
minutes  ;  it  having  been  done  in  1818.  So  that  it  will  be  seen  that  the 
Treadwell  mare  in  1824  had  reduced  the  time  to  2  :34.  Yet  for  many 
years  after  a  2  :40  horse  was  considered  extraordinary,  as  also  was  any 
horse  capable  of  going  on  the  road  in  3  minutes. 

In  1827,  on  the  Hunting  Park  Association  of  Philadelphia,  Screwdriver 
won  two  heats  at  two  miles,  beating  Betsey  Baker  in  8  :02  and  8  :10,  the 
three  best  time  on  record.  Dutchman  afterwards  accomplished  the  same 
distance  in  7  : 32  1-2,  and  Lady  Sui¥olk  in  7  :40  1-2. 

In  1840,  on  the  Long  Island  course,  Jerry  beat  Whalebone  in  a  three 
mile  trotting  race,  in  8  :23  the  first  heat,  and  8  :15  the  second.  The  best 
time  for  2  mile  heats  that  year  was  5  :22,  5  :21 ;  for  3  miles,  8  :26,  8  :27, 
8:41,  8:56.  On  long  distances  Sweetbrier  accomplished  six  miles  in 
18:52. 

In  1834  Edwin  Fon'est,  as  yet  an  unentered  horse,  trotted  his  mile  in 
2  :31  1-2,  beating  Sally  Miller.  The  course  Avas  1  mile  and  10  yards  in 
length. 

In  1835  Dutchman  made  four  miles,  under  the  saddle,  in  11  :19  and 
10  .51,  and  Dolly,  by  Messenger,  out  of  a  thoroughbred  mare,  five  miles 
to  wagon,  carrying  two  men,  weighing  310  pounds,  in  16  :45  ;  and  imme- 
diately was  started  again  to  do  10  miles  more,  which  she  accomplished  in 
34  :07.  The  same  year  the  horse  Daniel  D.  Thompkins,  under  the  sad- 
dle, trotted  three  mile  heats  in  7  :59  and  8  :10. 

In  1842  Ripton  beat  Lady  Suffolk,  at  3  miles  in  harness,  in  5  :07  and 
5:17. 

In  1843  Lady  Suffolk  made  mile  heats  in  2  :28  1-2,  2  :28,  2:28,  2  :29 


148  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

and  2  :32,  which  was  not  again  equaled  until  1854,  when  this  record  wx 
covered  by  Tacony. 

In  1844  Cayuga  Chief  made  the  first  half  mile  in  a  race  in  1 :15,  the 
fastest  yet  made  in  public  ;  and  Fanny  Jenks  accomplished  100  miles,  in 
harness,  in  9  hours  38  minutes  34  seconds.  The  slowest  mile  was  done 
in  6  :25  and  the  fastest  in  4  :47.  At  the  end  of  the  race  this  mare  wa« 
driven  an  extra  mile  in  4  :  23. 

In  1849  Lady  Suffolk  trotted  19  times  and  won  12,  beating  Grey  Eagle* 
and  Mac  twice,  Pelham  five  times.  Lady  Sutton  twice.  Trustee  four  times  ; 
also  beat  Black  Hawk,  Gray  Trouble,  Plumbay  and  other  horses.  This 
year  a  Canadian  mare,  Fly,  is  said  to  have  been  driven  from  Cornwall  to 
Montreal,  ninety  miles,  in  8  hours  and  15  minutes.  Fanny  Jenks  mad© 
100  miles  in  9  hours  38  minutes  and  34  seconds.  Fanny  Murray  trotted 
one  hundred  miles  in  9  hours  41  minutes  23  seconds. 

In  1852  Tacony  won  12  races,  beating  all  the  best  horses  of  the  day> 
making  a  single  mile  in  2  ;26  ;  two  miles  in  5  :02,  and  was  beaten  only 
twice.  As  a  3  year  Ethan  Allen  trotted  this  year  in  3 :20.  Flora  Tem- 
ple this  year  won  her  first  purse,  on  the  regular  turf,  in  2  :41. 

In  1853  the  entire  sporting  interest  was  centered  in  Flora  Temple  and 
Tacony.  Flora  this  year  beat  all  the  best  horses  of  the  day,  winning 
seventeen  times.  Her  best  time  at  mile  heats  was  2  :27,  2  :28,  and  at  it 
mile  heats  5  :01  1-2,  4  :59.     This  year  Tacony  trotted  a  mile  in  2  :25  1-2. 

In  1856  the  contest  lay  principally  between  Flora  Tempte  and  Lancet, 
Flora  made  11  races,  winning  nine,  beating  Lancet  four  times  in  harness, 
and  Tacony  three  times  in  harness,  Tacony  going  under  the  saddle.  This 
year  Flora  Temple  lowered  the  one  mile  record  to  2 :  24  1-2. 

That  the  trotting  horse  of  America  owes  his  great  powers  to  the  infu- 
sion of  thorough  blood,  we  have  before  stated.  To  Imported  Messen* 
ger  is  this  due  in  the  greatest  degree.  Messenger's  sire  was  Mambrino,. 
his  second  sire  Engineer,  and  his  third  sire  Samson.  Thence  to  Blaze, 
Flying  Childers  and  the  Darley  Arabian.  Samson  is  reported  to  have 
been  coarse  and  homely,  and  Engineer  rough  and  coarse,  but  both  of  these 
horses  were  of  extraordinary  substance. 

Another  great  trotting  sire  of  America  was  imported  Bellfouuder. 
There  has  been  much  controversy  over  his  breeding,  first  and  last,  but 
that  he  was  a  staunch  trotter,  and  a  getter  of  admirable  horses,  there  is 
no  doubt,  giving  splendid  action  to  his  get.  Still,  it  must  be  admitted 
that,  admirable  as  was  Bellfounder  himself,  his  get  was  not  equal  to  the 
descendants  of  Messenger  in  all  that  constitutes  speed,  endurance  and 
action. 

Durac  also  became  a  valuable  factor  in  our  trotting  blood.  His  strain 
of  blood  appears  in  the  Medley's,  Durac  Messenger's,  Mambrino  Chief's 
*iid  Gold  Dust's. 


RACING,   OR  TURF   HORSES.  249 

One  of  the  sub-families  of  Messenger's  blood,  Hambletonian,  who 
united  the  blood  of  Messenger  and  Bellfounder,  has  raised  the  trotting 
torse  of  America  to  the  highest  point  of  perfection.  He  was  not 
a  handsome  horse  from  a  thoroughbred  standpoint,  if  indeed  he  was 
thoroughbred,  which  has  been  doubted.     It  has  been  given  as  follows : 

Hambletonian  was  by  Abdallah  ;  he  by  Mambrina,  a  son  of  Messenger. 
The  dam  of  Abdallah,  the  mare  Amazonia.  The  dam  of  Hambletonian 
by  imported  Bellfounder ;  second  dam  by  Hambletonian ;  third  dam, 
fiilvertail,  said  to  have  been  by  imported  Messenger. 

In  all  that  constitutes  stoutness  and  ability  to  perform,  in  freedom 
from  tendency  to  disability,  his  stock  has  been  wonderful.  Noted  for 
immense  and  strong  joints,  length  and  strength  of  bone,  magnificent 
muscular  development,  prominent,  square,  massive  build,  mighty  hips 
and  excellent  barrel,  all  knit  together  to  form  a  most  admirable  frame. 
United  to  a  nervous  constitution,  that  reproduced  itself  in  his  descendants, 
in  a  most  wonderful  degree. 

One  of  the  finest  specimens  of  the  Hambletonian  stock  is  shown  on  tho 
preceding  plate.  This  fine  horse  was  by  Rysdyk's  Hambletonian,  by  Abdallah, 
by  Mambrino,  by  Imp.  Messenger.  Dam  Kitt,  by  Long  Island  Black  Hawk, 
by  Andrew  Jackson,  by  Young  Bashaw,  by  Imported  Bashaw.  Is  half-brother 
to  Dexter,  time  2.17^;  Nettie,  2.18  ;  Jay  Gould,  2.211  .  Gazelle,  2.21  ;  Georg« 
Wilkes,  2.22  ;  Volunteer  (  who  has  eight  trotters  below  2.25);  Edsall's  Ham. 
bletonian  ( Sire  of  Goldsmith  Maid,  2.14 ) ;  Edward  Everett  ( Sire  of  Judge 
Fullerton,  2.18 ) ;  Bruno  and  Brunette,  that  trotted  double  in  2.25^.  Foaled 
1868;  bright  golden  bay;  two  white  feet;  star  and  small  stripe  on  face;  black 
legs,  mane  and  tail ;  15|  hands  high.  A  horse  of  fine  finish,  and  shows  his  high 
breeding;  remarkably  strong  and  well-backed;  thick  through  the  heart;  game 
head ;  beautiful,  strong  eyes,  set  wide  apart ;  clean,  sinewy  limbs,  and  sound 
feet ;  perfectly  sound,  excellent  constitution,  good  temper,  and  very  intelligent; 
a  natural  trotter,  with  the  big,  open,  fast,  easy,  stride  of  the  Hambletonians. 

Of  Goldsmith  Maid,  one  of  the  truly  great  descendants  of  this  blood,  Mr. 
H.  T.  Helm,  of  Chicago,  in  1876,  wrote  as  follows: 

GOLDSMITH   MAID, 

"The  Queen  of  the  Trotting  Turf,  was  foaled  in  1857,  and  is  now 
nineteen  years  old.  She  was  bred  by  John  D.  Decker,  of  Sussex  county, 
N.J.  Her  dam  was  one  of  those  yellow-bay  mares  so  common  in  the 
produce  of  old  Abdallah.  She  was  undersized,  fretful,  and  of  a  nervous 
temperament,  and  up  to  the  age  of  six  years  had  performed  no  work  of 
any  kind,  except  to  run  occasional  races  about  and  on  the  farm,  for  the 
amusement  of  the  boys.  In  1863  she  was  sold  by  Mr.  Decker  for  $260 ; 
the  purchaser  selling  her  again,  on  the  same  day,  to  Mr.  Tompkins,  for 
$360  ,  and  she  was  soon  afterward  bought  by  Mr.  Alden  Goldsmith,  tot 
$600.     The  eye  of  the  practical  horseman  discovered  that  she  was  Tvorth 


230 


ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 


the  handlins: 


He  discovered  her  ability,  and  soon  brought  the  world  to 
a  knowledge  of  her  value.  Under  his  careful  and  patient  management. 
Mid  the  skillful  drivers  employed  by  him,  she  soon  displayed  such  speed 


and  extraordinary  qualities  of  game  and  endurance,  that  he  was  able  to 
sell  her,  at  about  the  age  of  eleven  years,  for  the  sum  of  $20,000.  The 
purchasers  were  B.  Jackman  and  Mr.  Budd  Doble,  and,  under  the  guid- 
ance of  the  latter,  she  has  steadily  advanced  in  a  career  of  fame  that  ia 


RACING,   OR   TURF   HORSES.  25t 

without  a  parallel  in  the  history  of  the  trotting  turf.  She  nas  subse- 
quently sold,  by  the  two  gentlemen  last  named,  to  H.N.  Smith,  for  the 
sum  of  $37,000,  and  yet  remains  his  property.  She  has  been  matched 
against  all  the  great  trotters  of  her  period  ;  and,  while  she  has  occasion- 
ally lost  a  race,  she  has  ultimately  vanquished  all  competitors,  and  stead- 
ily lowered  the  record  for  trotting  performances,  and  at  the  age  of 
eighteen,  marked  the  marvelous,  and  thus  far  unapproachable,  record  of 
a  mile  in  2  :14. 

"Twice  during  the  year  1876  she  trotted  in  a  race  in  2  :15,  and  although 
in  her  first  race  against  the  renowned  Smuggler  she  was  beaten,  she  by 
no  means  surrendered  her  queenly  scepter,  for  again,  at  Buffalo,  she  as- 
serted her  supremacy  in  the  three  fastest  successive  heats  on  record. 
Proudly  does  she  command  the  sympathy  and  applause  of  all  beholders 
when  she  hurls  at  her  powerful  competitor  the  defiant  challeuije,  "  You 
may  become  King,  but  I  am  yet  Queen." 

"It  were  useless  to  mention  the  names  and  performances  of  others  , 
there  is  no  name  that  can  be  compared  with  that  of  the  little  bay  mare ; 
the  fame  and  the  radiance  of  all  others  pale  before  the  brilliancy  of  a 
renown  that  followed  her  to  the  age  of  twenty  years,  and  has  been  wit- 
nessed on  every  great  course  throughout  the  expanse  of  a  continent.  I 
subjoin  a  description  of  the  Trotting  Queen,  from  the  pen  of  one  of  our 
most  accurate  and  capable  writers  : 

"Goldsmith  Maid  is  a  bay  mare  15  1-4  hands,  no  white.  She  appears, 
at  first  glance,  to  be  rather  delicately  made,  but  this  conception  is  drawn 
from  the  form,  rather  than  the  quality  of  her  make-up.  Her  head  and 
neck  are  very  clean  and  blood-like  ;  her  shoulder  sloping  and  well  placed  ; 
middle  piece  tolerably  deep  at  the  girth,  but  so  light  in  the  waist  as  to 
give  her  a  tucked-up  appearance,  and  one  would  say  a  lack  of  constitu- 
tion, but  for  the  abundant  evidence  to  the  contrary;  loin  and  coupling 
good  ;  quarters  of  the  greyhound  order — broad  and  sinewy ;  her  limbs 
are  clean,  fine-boned  and  wiry ;  feet  rather  small,  but  of  good  quality. 
She  is  high  mettled,  and  takes  an  abundance  of  work  Avithout  flinching. 
In  her  highest  trotting  form,  drawn  to  an  edge,  she  is  almost  deer-like  in 
appearance,  and  when  scoring  for  a  start  and  alive  to  the  emergencies  of 
the  race,  with  her  great  flashing  eye  and  dilated  nostrils,  she  is  a  perfect 
picture  of  animation  and  living  beauty.  Her  gait  is  long,  bold  and 
sweeping,  and  she  is,  in  the  hands  of  a  driver  acquainted  Avith  her  pecu- 
liarities, a  perfect  piece  of  machinery.  She  seldom  makes  an  out-and- 
out  break,  but  frequently  makes  a  skip,  and  has  been  accused  of  losing 
nothing  in  either  case.  Aside  from  the  distinction  of  having  trotted  the 
fastest  mile  on  record,  she  also  enjoys  the  honor  of  making  the  fastest 
three  consecutive  heats  ever  won  in  a  race,  which  renders  any  comments 
upon  her  staying  qualities  unnecessary. 


,'5"J  II.LU8TRATED   STOC^K    DOCTOR. 

She  continued  on  the  turf  until  past  twenty  years  old,  and  after  com* 
pleting  that  age  she  closed  her  public  career  with  the  year  1877  by 
trotting  during  that  year  forty-one  heats  in  2  :30  or  better,  and  making  a 
time  record  of  2:14  1-2.  Her  record  stands  at  the  close  of  her  career  at 
2 :14,  with  332  heats  in  2  :30  or  better.  Her  record  and  her  career  are 
"  the  marvel  of  the  age."  Goldsmith  Maid  finally  found  a  home  at  the  Fashion 
stud  farm,  at  Trenton,  N.  J.,  there  to  end  her  days. 

DEXTER. 

Dexter  has  been  so  often  described,  that  the  public  are  familiar  with 
his  appearance.  A  dark  bay  or  brown  gelding,  with  a  white  stripe  the 
full  length  and  width  of  his  face,  and  four  white  legs  ;  15  hands,  1  inch 
high ;  his  head  as  finely  cut  in  its  outline  as  that  of  Australian  or  Bonnie 
Scotland  ;  an  eye  that  does  not  stand  out  with  the  prominence  of  the 
Abdallah  eye  in  Hambletonian,  but  one  that  sparkles  with  a  glance  of 
fire  that  speaks  of  that  which  is  back  of  the  orb ;  his  mane  and  tail  are 
medium  in  fulness,  and  in  form  and  blood-like  appearance  he  is  hardly 
surpassed  by  that  of  any  thoroughbred  of  full  age  in  the  country.  His 
record  of  2  :17  1-4  is  familiar  to  all. 

JAY    GOULD. 

Jay  Gould  is  a  bright  bay  horse,  of  fine  mould  and  finish,  15  hands  2 
inches  in  height ;  rather  light-appearing  in  form,  but  of  great  and  power- 
fully formed  quarters,  and  a  tolerably  fair  set  of  limbs.  His  head  is  a 
finely  formed  one,  and  he  has  a  face  that  indicates  the  high  degree  of  in- 
telligence that  in  so  great  a  measure  marks  this  branch  of  the  family. 
He  has  trotted  twenty  heats  in  2  :30  or  better,  and  reached  a  record  of 
2  :21  1-2,  and  in  addition  is  credited  with  one  son,  King  Philip,  a  young 
horse  only  five  years  old,  that  has  trotted  nine  heats  in  2  :30  or  better, 
and  reached  a  record  of  2  :  21. 

MAUD  S. 

HOW   SHE    WAS    RAISED    AND    WHAT   SHE   HAS    ACCOMPLISHED. 

Maud  S.  was  foaled  on  the  Woodbnrn  stud  farm,  Kentucky,  on  the  28th  of 
March,  1874.  She  is  of  Harold,  dam  Miss  Russell  by  Pilot,  Jr.,  second  dam 
Sallie  Rnssell  bv  old  Boston.  She  is  15  hands  3  inches  in  height,  1|  inches 
higher  behind  than  in  front;  her  weight  is  965  pounds;  she  is  a  red-chestnut 
mare  without  a  white  spot.  Until  she  was  4  years  of  age  the  mare  was  owned 
by  Captain  Stone  and  was  formed  under  his  personal  supervision.  When  she 
wiis  a  colt  she  was  gentle  and  affectionate,  and  a  great  pet  with  Captain  Stone's 
daughter.  Miss  Stone  became  very  much  attached  to  her  pet,  and  the  mare 
B«eraed  to  be  just  as  much  attached  to  her.  Captain  Stone,  therefore,  requested 
ais  daughter  to  name  her  equine  playfellow,  and  in  compliance  she  gave  it  her 


RACING,   OR   TURF    HORSES.  255 

own  name,  Maud  Stone,  which  was  afterward  abbreviated  into  Maud  S.,  a  name 
which  has  since  become  celebrated  throughout  Europe  and  America.  When 
Maud  S.  was  4  years  old,  however,  Captain  Stone  sold  her  to  William  H, 
Vanderbilt  of  New  York.  That  gentleman  sent  her  to  a  well-known  Long 
Island  stud  farm  to  be  formed.  When  she  was  5  years  old,  however,  he  be- 
came dissatisfied  with  her  handling,  and  sending  for  Captain  Stone  requested 
him  to  take  entire  charge  of  her  future  training.  Captain  Stone  consented, 
and  the  mare  has  since  that  time  been  in  his  care.  When  being  speeded  the 
mare  wears  a  4-ounce  toe-weight,  adjusted  so  that  it  can  be  removed  when  she 
is  jogging,  as  at  that  time  her  trainer  never  allows  it  to  be  worn. 

HER   PERFORMANCES. 

Maud  S.'s  first  public  exhibition  was  given  July  6th,  1880,  at  Cincinnati. 
She  was  entered  in  the  2.34  class.  She  won  in  three  heats.  Time,  2.23,  2.30 
and  2.28. 

Her  next  race  was  at  Chicago  on  July  24th  for  a  special  purse  against 
Trinkett.  The  mare  won  in  three  heats.  Time,  2.19,  2.21  and  2.13J,  in  her 
second  public  race  thus  surprising  the  sporting  world  by  making  a  record  at 
which  old  turfmen  held  up  their  hands  in  wonder. 

Maud  S.  next  appeared  at  Cleveland  on  July  28th  in  the  2.19  class.  She 
won  in  three  heats;  time— 2.24,  2.18,  2.31. 

At  Buffalo,  August  4th,  was  the  next  trot  in  the  2.19  class.  The  mare  here 
lost  the  first  heat  to  Charlie  Ford  in  2.17  and  won  the  next  three  in  2.15^, 
2.16i  and  2.16|. 

At  Rochester  was  her  next  trot,  on  August  12th,  against  time  to  beat  all 
records.  The  first  quarter  was  made  in  32 J,  the  half  in  1.05,  the  three-quar- 
ters in  1.38^,  and  the  mile  in  2.11f. 

Chicago  was  her  next  trotting  place  on  an  exhibition  against  time.  In  this 
the  now  widely  celebrated  little  mare  was  successfeil.  The  first  quarter  was 
made  in  33|^,  the  half  1.04|,  the  three-quarters  in  1.36f  and  the  mile  in  2.11  J. 

In  her  next  race  at  Chicago,  September  18th,  against  time,  Maud  S.  still 
more  astonished  the  world.  She  made  the  first  quarter  in  34  seconds,  the 
half  mile  in  1.04f,  the  three-quarters  in  1.36  and  the  mile  in  the  wonderful 
time  of  2.10|,  trotting  the  middle  half  in  1.02. 

After  this  she  went  into  winter  quarters  at  Cincinnati  in  the  height  of  hei 
glory.  On  the  1st  of  January,  1881,  she  was  taken  up  and  gave  her  first 
exhibition  at  Columbus,  Ohio,  on  June  30th,  over  a  very  slow  track,  against 
Rams'  best  time  over  that  track  of  2.1 7 J.  She  made  the  first  quarter  in  33 
seconds,  the  half  in  1.06|,  the  three-quarters  in  1.40  and  the  mile  in  2.13 J. 

At  Detroit,  July  4th,  against  St.  Julien's  best  time  over  that  track  of  2.16^. 
First  quarter  in  35^,  the  half  in  1.08,  the  three-quarters  in  1.42|  and  the  mile 
in  2.13|. 


264  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK    DOCTOR. 

At  Pittsburg,  July  13th,  first  quarter  33  seconds,  'naif  mile  1.05|,  threes 
quarters  1.37^,  and  the  mile  in  2.10J,  beating  her  former  record. 

At  Chicago,  July  23,  three  heats.  The  first  mile,  2.21|.  The  second  mile, 
first  quarter,  34|,  half  mile  in  1.06,  the  thixje-quarters  in  1.38  and  the  mile 
in  2.1^.  The  third  mile,  first  quarter,  in  34  seconds,  the  half  in  1.06|,  the 
three-fourths  in  1.37^,  and  the  mile  in  2.11.  This  was  considered  the  greatest 
performance  ever  achieved  by  Maud  S.  Beside  trotting  the  three  fastest 
miles  ever  trotted  by  any  horse,  the  track  over  which  it  was  done  was  believed 
by  the  best  judges  to  be  at  least  three  seconds  slow. 

Her  best  record  up  to  August,  1881,  was  made  at  Rochester  (August 
11th),  when  she  trotted  ihe  mile  without  a  break  in  2.10^. 

W.  W.  Bair  is  entitled  to  great  credit  for  developing  the  wonderful  speed 
of  Maud  S.  She  is  a  highly-bred  mare,  and  wants  to  be  humored.  Her  heart 
is  won  by  kindness.  She  will  not  stand  harsh  treatment;  will  not  prove 
obedient  under  rough  usage.  Both  Bair  and  his  wife  made  much  of  Maud 
S.  They  jetted  her  and  treated  her  to  apples  and  lumps  of  sugar.  The  result 
is  that  she  will  eagerly  respond  to  their  call.  When  jogging  on  the  track  at 
Chester  Park  the  presence  of  Mrs.  Bair  near  the  rail  at  any  time  would  cause 
Maiud  to  turn  in  that  direction.  During  the  winter  the  mare  ran  in  a  roomy  box. 
In  April  she  was  put  in  front  of  a  break-cart,  and  Mr.  Bair  drove  her  about 
tVe  streets  of  Clifton  and  Cincinnati,  and  thus  got  her  accustomed  to  the  noise 
and  bustle  of  the  toiling  world.  He  also  harnessed  her  double,  and  taught  her 
to  drive  on  either  side.  She  always  behaved  well  to  the  pole.  She  does  not 
like  blinds  to  her  bridle,  but  will  trot  with  any  kind  of  bit  in  her  mouth. 
All  she  asks  is  that  the  driver  shall  not  pull  on  the  bit.  She  wears  a  15|- 
ounce  shoe  forward  and  a  9-ounce  shoe  behind.  She  also  carries  4-ounce 
toe  weights. 

After  her  brilliant  career  iu  1881,  Mr.  \'aiiderbilt  Avilhdrt'w  Maud  S.  from 
the  track,  and  placed  her  in  his  own  private  stables  in  New  York.  Her  quiet 
life  was  not  satisfactory,  however,  to  her  many  friends,  wiu)  became  so  great 
an  annoyance  to  her  owner  that  in  1884  he  sold  her  to  Mr.  Robert  S.  Bonner, 
who  was  already  the  owner  of  many  fine  horses.  Forty  thoi^and  dollars  is 
the  reputed  price  paid  for  her.  She  was  then  put  to  several  tests  merely  to 
beat  her  own  record.  She  scored  a  mile  in  2.09f,  at  Cleveland,  August  2d, 
1884,  and  on  November  11th,  1884,  at  Ijexington,  Ky.,  Mr.  Bair  drove  hci- 
the  mile  iu  2.09^,  the  fastest  time  ever  made  by  a  horse. 


PART  II. 

Diseases  of  the  Horse-. 

•CHEIR  CAUSES,  HOW  TO  PREVENT,  HOW  TO  KNOA» 
Aim  HOW  TO  CUKE. 


Diseases  of  the  Horse. 


THBIB  CAUSES;  HOW  TO  ENOW,  AND  HOW  TO  CXTBE  THEIL 


CHAPTER  I. 


I.  DinKWCCTIOM.— —  n.  KXTKRNAL  MANIFSSTAnOIV  OF  URWASB, 


I.   Introduction. 


The  various  diseases  to  which  the  horse  is  subject,  embrace  nearly  all 
those  afflicting  the  human  family,  and  including  among  them,  as  most 
common,  diseases  of  the  skin  and  its  integuments,  those  of  the  muscles, 
of  the  ligaments,  and  of  the  bones,  quite  rare  in  the  human  family,  and 
to  which  the  horse  might  be  completely  exempt,  were  it  not  for  the  igno- 
rance, and  in  very  many  cases  the  brutality  of  the  master  in  over-driving, 
over-weighting,  leaping,  beating,  neglect  in  clothing  when  heated,  care- 
lessness in  grooming,  want  of  proper  ventilation  in  stables,  and  the 
withholding  of  proper  and  sufficient  food.  Take  away  these  causes  of 
disease  and  the  labors  of  the  veterinary  surgeon  would  be  light.  We 
should  see  but  little  of  caries  of  the  bones,  causing  degeneration  of  the 
substance ;  of  spavin,  curb,  ringbone,  splint ;  of  injuries  to  the  sinews 
and  tendons,  causing  breaking  down ;  swellings  and  other  of  the  most 
serious  afflictions  ;  poll  evil  and  other  fistulous  diseases  ;  of  fractures  ;  of 
rheumatism  ;  founder,  including  grease,  inflamed  glands  and  veins,  cracks 
of  the  hoofs,  quittor,  hernia,  and  all  that  class  of  diseases  attacking  the 
faithful  servant  of  man,  and  henceforth  rendering  him  useless  for  the 
purposes  of  pleasure  or  profitable  labor.  Instead  of  ending  the  sufferings 
of  the  tortured  animal  by  mercifully  taking  its  life,  many  owners  for  the 
«ftke  of  the  few  paltry  dollars  received,  transfer  the  once  favorite  steed 

255 


256 


ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 


to  some  one  else  equally  inhuman,  who  thenceforth  drives  and  goads  the 
sufferer  to  labor  under  the  most  torturing  circumstances,  until  the  animal 
economy,  entirely  disorganized,  perhaps  by  years  of  such  unmitigated 
torture,  drops  and  dies. 

The  object  of  this  treatise  is  to  so  enlighten  the  horse  owner  in  the 
nature  of  disease  as  to  enable  him  to  determine  whether  treatment  can 
be  made  effective — if  so,  what  to  do;  and  especially  is  it  the  purpose  to 
so  acquaint  him  with  the  causes^  that  occasion  for  treatment  may  be 
averted.  By  a  study  of  the  facts  we  give  it  may  be  easily  known  whether 
cure  is  possible,  and  if  not  it  is  more  merciful  to  kill  and  end  th©  mis^r/ 
of  the  poor  animal. 


EXTERNAL  MANIFESTATIONS  OF  SOME   DISEASES  OF  THE   HORSE. 

II.    External  Manifestation  of  Disease. 

For  all  the  diseases  we  have  mentioned  l)ut  little  medicine  is  needed. 
Rest  and  nursing  are  most  needed — often  months  of  rest  and  care,  as  in 
the  case  of  spavin,  commencing  in  inflammation  and  ending  in  the  depo- 
sition of  bony  matter,  stiffening  of  the  joint,  or,  as  in  the  case  of 
exostosis  of  the  heads  of  the  bones,  they  in  time  become  quite  anchylosed» 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  257 

when  lameness  ceases  from  the  suspension  of  action  of  the  joints  caused 
by  their  complete  solidification  or  growing  together. 

That  the  reader  may  form  a  more  correct  idea  of  what  we  here  write, 
and  have  it  brought  plainly  to  view,  we  present  an  illustration  of  some  of 
the  principal  diseases  of  the  bones  and  tissues,  caused  generally  by  abuse, 
with  a  sfiort  description  of  their  origin.  The  treatment  will  be  given  in 
the  proper  place, 

A — Caries  of  the  Jaw.  Ulceration  of  the  lower  jaw,  sometimes  ends 
in  mortification.     Caused  by  bruises  from  barbarous  bits  and  curb  chains. 

B — Fistula  of  the  Parotid  Duct.  Fistulas  are  caused  by  bruises  or 
undue  compression  of  the  parts  producing  inflammation  and  abscess. 

C — Bony  Excrescence.  (Exostosis  of  the  jaw).  A  blow  upon  a  bone 
will  produce  inflammation  followed  by  exostosis  (bony  growth  through 
increased  nutrition) — that  of  the  joints  being  fearfully  painful. 

D — Swelling  by  pressure  of  the  bridle,  causing  inflammation,  and 
sometimes  tumors. 

E — Poll  Evil.     A  painful  fistulous  disease,  often  diflScult  to  cure. 

F — Inflamed  Parotid  Gland.     Caused  by  a  bruise  or  compression. 

G — Inflamed  Jugular  Vein,  caused  in  various  ways,  often  by  careless- 
ness after  bleeding. 

H — Fungus  Tumor,  from  compression  of  the  collar.  The  result  of 
galls  and  subsequent  want  of  care,  and  inattention. 

/ — Fistida  of  the    Withers,  caused  gene»ally  by  pressure  of  the  saddle. 

J — Saddle  Gall,  caused  by  a  bad  fitting  saddle  ;  sometimes  ending  in 
sitiasts. 

K — Twmoro/^Ae^^So?!;,  caused  generally  by  interference  of  the  shoe 
in  lying  down  ;  sometimes  by  a  blow.  Called  also,  Capped  Elbow. 

L — Induration  of  the  Knee,  caused  by  blows  in  falling. 

M — Clap  of  the  Back  Sinews,  caused  by  severe  exertion  in  running 
and  leaping,  destroying  the  integrity  of  the  sinews  of  the  leg. 

iV — Mallenders,  scurfy  manifestations  at  flexions  of  the  knee,  sometimos 
becoming  cracked  and  itchy. 

0 — Splint,  caused  by  blows,  kicks,  etc.,  on  the  shins.  They  are  to 
be  dreaded  as  interfering  with  the  action  of  the  sinews. 

P — Ringbone,  caused  by  starting  heavy  loads,  or  excessive  pulling  in 
going  up  hill. 

Q — Tread  upon  the  Coronet,  the  contusion  of  the  shoe  of  one  foot  by 
treading  on  the  other,  causing  laceration  of  the  coronet  and  of  the  horn 
of  the  hoof. 

i? — Quitter,  confined  pus,  from  prick  of  the  sole,  corns,  or  injury  to 
coronet. 


258  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

S — Quarter  Sand  Crack.  Imperfect  secretion  caused  by  dryness  oi 
the  hoof  ;   rupture  of  the  laminae. 

T — Contracted  Hoof,  or  ringed  hoof  of  a  foundered  horse.  The 
result  of   Laminatis. 

U— Capped  Hock.     Injuring  the  point  of  the  hock. 

y — Sallenders.  Scurfy  eruptions  on  the  seat  of  flexion  of  the  hock. 
Similar  to  mallenders. 

"[y — Spavin.  Inflammation  causing  painful  bony  enlargement,  some« 
times  stiff  joint.  Caused  by  blows,  slipping  and  hard  work,  often  from 
weak  limbs. 

X — Curb.  Inflammation  and  lameness  of  the  posterior  part  of  the 
hock,  ending  in  bony  formation.  Caused  by  wrenching  or  straining  the 
limb. 

Y-^Swelled  Sinews,  caused  by  strains  or  bruises,  producing  inflamma- 
tion, and  ending  in  enlargement. 

Z — Thick  Leg,  caused  by  various  injuries  to  the  joint.  Any  inflamma- 
tion may  result  in  a  thickening  of  the  integuments.  In  all  inflammatory 
difficulties  of  this  nature,  including,  spavin,  curb,  etc.,  cold  water 
faithfully  applied  at  the  outset  will  be  indicated,  but  often  the  trouble  is 
not  known  until  too  late  for  cold  water.  The  warm  water  fomentations 
will  then  be  indicated.      [See  treatment]. 

1 — Grease,  caused  by  debility,  excessive  labor  and  neglect,  filthy  sur- 
roundings, from  stoppage  of  the  secretions.  Scratches  are  from  the 
same  cause,  as  working  in  the  mud  without  proper  cleaning,  etc. 

2- — Toe  Sand  Crack,  caused  by  the  same  difficulty  as  quarter  sand 
crack. 

3 — Quarter  Crack.     [See  sand  crack]. 

These  are  occasioned  generally  by  severe  labor  of  animals  not  strong 
in  the  feet,  by  which  the  walls  are  ruptured,  by  breaking  the  hoof  with 
the  calk  of  another  foot.  False  quarter  is  occasioned  by  the  absence  of 
the  outside  and  harder  portion  of  the  hoof. 

4 —  Ventral  Hernia .  Rupture  by  which  the  bowel  lies  next  the  skin. 
When  hernia  is  accompanied  with  strangulation  it  becomes  dangerous. 

5 — Rat  Tail,  loss  of  the  hair  of  the  tail. 

Fuller  facts  as  to  causes  and  treatment  of  these  disorders  will  be  found 
in  the  appropriate  place  in  this  work. 


CHAPTER  n. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  SEIN  AND  SUBCUTANEOUS  TISSUEfl 


r.   SCRATCHES.  II.    GREASE. III.    THRUSH.  IV.    SWELLED  ANKLES. .  V. 

SWELLED    LEGS. VI.    SURFEIT. VII.  MANCE. VIII.  RINGHWORM. -IX 

HIDE-BOUND.  X.    SADDLE    GALLS,     OR   SITFASTS. XI.    FUNGOUS    COLLAK 

TUMOR. XII.    WARTS. XIII.    VERMIN. XIV.    LARVA   IN   THE    SKIN, 

XV.    TETTER. XVI.    RAT-TAILS. XVII.  MALLENDERS  AND  SALLENDERS.— — 

XVIII.    POLL    EVIL. XIX.    FISTULA. 

Of  skin  diseases  there  are  two  classes :  those  resultingf  from  neo-leot 
and  general  bad  treatment,  and  those  due  to  disorders  of  the  internal 
organs  with  which  the  skin  is  in  sympathy,  or  which  inflame  it  by  unnat- 
ural excretions  or  irritants  in  the  blood.  It  is  almost  impossible  perfectly 
to  classify  them,  since  even  some  that  are  generally  considered  to  arise 
from  constitutional  causes  may  be  produced  by  external  circumstances, 
and  the  reverse. 

In  the  following  sections  we  treat  the  most  important  of  both  classes. 
Others  of  less  moment  will  be  found  in  our  chapter  entitled  '  *  Miscella- 
neous Matters  and  Suggestions,  ISlinor  Disorders,  etc." 

I.    Scratches. 

Causes. — These  are  various  ;  as,  clipping  the  heels,  which  is  sometimes 
done,  and  thus  destroying  nature's  covering,  so  as  to  allow  the  parts  to 
become  chilled ;  washing  off  the  legs  with  soap  and  water  without  subse- 
quently thoroughly  drying  them,  and  then  suffering  them  to  be  exposed 
to  cold  air ;  standing  in  snow  or  snow-slush  ;  standing  in  or  upon  hot  and 
steaming  manure  of  any  kind,  while  in  stable  ;  or  being  long  in  mud  and 
filth  while  in  service  and  not  subsequently  carefully  cleaned.  Aiij-thing 
that  will  produce  inflammation  of  the  skin  of  the  heel,  or  in  any  wav 
*reaken  it,  may  produce  scratches. 

As  is  the  case  with  other  local  disorders,  this  is  most  easily  and  rapidly 
17  259 


260  ILLUSTRATED   STOCK  DOCTOR. 

developed  when  the  horse  is  not  in  a  condition  of  good  general  healtlk , 
but  foul  stables,  while  furnishing  the  irritating  filth  immediately  to  tli6 
scat  of  this  disease  vitiate  the  air  also,  and  thus  tend  to  bring  about  « 
two-fold  trouble. 

It  is  believed  to  be  sometimes  due  to  the  existence  on  the  skin  of  pa^ 
asitic  plants  and  insects. 

The  sure  preventive  is  to  keep  the  horse,  if  possible,  in  good  general 
condition  ;  and  to  confine  him,  when  he  must  be  confined  at  all,  only  in  a 
dry,  clean,  and  well-ventilated  stall.  When  he  is  forced  to  be  worked 
during  the  day  in  mud  or  slush  he  should  be  neither  stabled  nor  turned 
out  to  pasture  until  both  his  feet  and  his  legs  are  well  washed  and  thoroughly 
«lried. 

How  to  know  it. — Scratches  are  said  to  be  unknown  to  European  horse- 
men ;  but  it  is  so  well  known  in  the  United  States  as  to  render  a  descrip' 
tion  well  nigh  unnecessary.  It  appears  on  the  back  part  of  the  foot, 
srenerallv  of  the  hind  foot ;  and  extends  from  the  heel  to  the  fetlock.  It 
has  been  known  entirely  tq  encircle  the  foot,  and  to  extend  upward  to  the 
hock  and  to  the  knee.  The  parts  are  sometimes  hot,  swollen  and  sensi- 
tive before  any  cracking  or  ulceration  takes  place ;  then  they  become 
dry  and  scaly,  and  crack  open  by  ordinary  motion.  A  horse  thus  affected 
is  apt  to  manifest  a  disposition  to  walk  stiffly,  with  his  hind  legs,  (when 
the  disease  is  seated  in  the  hind  heels),  wider  apart  than  ordinary,  and  to 
throw  his  foot  rather  violently  forward  when  an  effort  is  made  to  exam- 
ine it. 

It  is  often  the  case  that  at  first  there  are  little  patches  of  a  thick,  dry, 
scabby  covering  of  the  skin  ;  and  these  spread  and  inflame  until  they  form 
a  solid  mass  of  scab  and  matted  hair.  These  scabs  may  be  distinguished 
from  those  which  sometimes  appear  in  other  skin  diseases  by  this,  that 
they  have  an  unusual  itchiness,  which  leads  the  horse  to  rub  them  as 
much  as  possible ;  and  he  often  does  this  until  they  bleed  and  become 
raw.  This  disposition  of  the  suffering  creature  to  scratch  himself  is  said 
to  have  originated  the  name  by  which  the  disease  is  known. 

What  to  do. In  cases  where  the  patient  is  in  good  condition,  and  the 

disease  is  in  its  incipient  stage,  a  thorough  cleansing  of  the  parts  witk 
castile  soap  and  warm  water,  and  applying  an  emollient  or  softening 
poultice  for  a  day  or  two,  with  rest,  will  be  sufficient.  If  there  seems 
to  be  feverishness  of  the  system,  a  dose  or  two  of  Epsom  salts  to  move 
the  bowels,  given  in  doses  of  from  one  to  three  ounces  at  a  time,  well  b« 
beneficial. 

The  following  is  for  ordinary  cases  a  most  efficacious  and  easily  used 
•emedy : 


THE  HORSE,  SKIN  DISEASES,  ETC.  261 

N».  1.  >i  Oz.  powdered  gum  camphor, 

1  Oz.  gum  myrrh, 
1  Fluid  oz.  sulphuric  acid, 
1  Fluid  oz.  spirits  of  turpentine, 
1  Pint  of  lard. 

Mix  iboroaghly,  and  rub  the  ointment  well  upon  the  heels  once  a  day. 
The  legs  and  feet  should  be  washed  with  soap  suds  before  every  applioft^ 
tion. 

When  the  disedSb  is  chronic,  and  proud  flesh  has  appeared,  make  t 
poultice  of  ground  flax  seed  and  lime-water ;  sprinkle  burnt  alum  over 
the  poultice,  and  apply.  Use  two  or  three  poultices  a  day  until  the 
proud  flesh  has  evidently  disappeared,  then  use  the  ointment  No.  1  as 
jibove  directed. 

Another  course  of  treatment,  to  be  adopted  Avhen  there  is  a  disordered 
condition  of  general  health,  and  evidences  of  vitiated  blood  are  man- 
ifested, is  this : 

First  bleed  ;  but  observe  to  regulate  the  quantity  of  blood  drawn  by 
the  condition  of  the  animal  as  xo  flesh  and  strength.  If  he  is  poor  and 
weak,  take  from  the  neck  vein  about  three  pints,  and  after  nine  days  a 
like  quantity.  If  he  is  plainly  in  poor  general  health,  but  not  reduced 
in  flesh  and  still  strong,  bleed  once,  taking  from  the  neck  vein  three 
quarts.     Then  make  careful  and  thorough  application  of  ointment  No.  1. 

It  may  well  be  stated  here  that  in  our  practice  Ave  do  not  often  resoiii 
to  bleeding,  nor  do  we  recommend  ii  except  in  rare  cases.  To  the  man, 
however,  Avho  finds  it  both  profitable  und  agreeable  to  be  his  own  stock 
doctor  it  is  often  the  quickest,  easiest,  and  safest  means  of  removing 
vitrious  humors,  and  bringing  about  a  n;ore  natural  and  healthful  circula- 
tion. In  some  acute  diseases  of  violent  character,  as  pleurisy,  mad 
staggers,  and  the  like,  it  is  frequently  of  vhe  first  importance,  sometimes 
almost  the  only  hope  ;  but  we  would  caution  the  reader  against  the 
indiscriminate  blood-letting  of  the  old  practitioners.  Observe  well  the 
symptoms;  consult  this  department  of  "The  Stock  Doctor "  carefully ; 
and  you  will  not  fall  into  the  mistake  of  taking  away  gallons  of  blood 
when  a  little  rest,  some  good  grooming,  and  plenty  of  nutritious,  life- 
giving  food,  are  the  things  mostly  required.  T*ie  manner  of  blood-letting 
will  be  found  to  have  been  treated  of  in  our  chapter  entitled  "Impl»i 
ments  :  what  to  keep  and  how  to  use." 

The  foreofoing:  methods  will  answer  in  all  oMinary  cases  ;  but  if  thus 
patient  has  not  been  taken  in  hand  till  the  disease  has  become  chronic 
and  obstinate,  the  following  is  a  most  excellent  preparation  and  may  be 
used  instead  of  No.  1.  It  requires  care  in  the  using,  as  it  will  discolor 
the  hands  and  corrode  the  nails  if  it  comes  in  contact  AN^ith  them,  aod  it 
•hould  never  be  entrusted  to  bungling  and  inconsiderate  gi'ooms  ;  but  ix 


262  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

I 

the  hands  of  careful  horsemen  it  is  a  most  valuable  remedy  for  all  obstl. 
nate  wounds,  bruises,  galls,  tumors,  and  sores.  We  shall  refer  to  it  in 
subsequent  i)ortions  of  the  work  as  cahiphorated  corrosive  auhlimate  or 

No.  2.  1  Pint  spirits  of  turpentine, 

1  Oz.  llnely  pulverized  corrosive  sublimate, 
1  Oz.  gum  camphor. 

Have  the  corrosive  sublimate  very  finely  ground  in  a  druggist's  mortar, 
(the  efficacy  of  the  compound  depends  much  upon  this)  ;  pulverize  the 
gum  camphor ;  put  all  together  into  a  good  strong  bottle,  and  shake 
thoroughly.  Then  let  it  stand  for  at  least  twenty-four  hours — longer 
would  be  better,  as  it  becomes  more  and  more  valuable  with  age  and 
repeated  shakings — and  it  will  do  to  use.  In  applying  it,  saturate  a  small 
mop,  made  of  soft  rags,  neatly  and  firmly  tied  upon  a  stick.  Wash 
before  making  first  application  of  No.  2,  but  afterwards,  unless  the  foot 
becomes  very  foul,  this  need  not  be  done.  The  liniment  should  be 
applied  once  a  day  till  cure  is  effected. 

Keep  the  horse  out  of  the  wet  during  treatment,  especially  if  the  cam- 
j)horated  corrosive  sublimate  is  used.  See  to  it,  also,  that  his  stable  is 
not  only  dry,  but  airy.  If  it  is  pasture  time,  he  will  need  no  other  food 
than  grass,  unless  it  is  found  necessary  to  stable  him,  to  keep  him  from 
rains  and  dews.  In  any  event,  he  ought  to  be  fed  rather  lightly  at  first, 
and  with  food  not  calculated  to  inflame.  If  the  time  is  Winter  give  as 
much  green,  soft  food  as  can  be  conveniently  had,  such  as  roots, 
chops,  etc. 

n.    Grease,  or  Cracked  Heels. 

Causes. — This  disease  is  but  a  modification  of  scratches  and  of  thrush 
.—partaking  more  of  the  nature  of  thrush,  however,  than  of  scratches,  a? 
it  is  confined  almost  exclusively  to  the  heel,  the  seat  of  the  thrush,  which 
is  seldom  attacked  by  the  scratches. 

It  is  occasionally  the  result  of  constitutional  weakness  or  derangement. 
When  the  system  abounds  in  morbid  matter,  its  tendency  is  towards  the 
heels,  and  debility  is  felt  in  the  distended  vessels  remote  from  the  vital 
organs,  ending  in  inflammation  of  the  skin  of  the  heels,  distension  of  the 
sebaceous  glands,  a  stinking  deposit  on  the  surface,  and  a  purulent  dis 
charo-e  throuj^h  cracks. 

Cutting  away  the  hair  of  the  fetlock,  and  thus  exposing  to  sudden  and 
protracted  cold  the  parts  which  it  is  designed  to  protect,  often  causes  thic 
affection,  even  in  animals  of  otherwise  good  condition. 

Frequently,  however,  it  may  be  regarded  as  most  probably  a  secondary 
disease,  originating  in  some  other,  which  has  resulted  from  careless  or 
nhuman  treatment,  or  from  constitutional  weakness. 


THE    HORSE,    SKIN'    DISEASES,    ETC. 


26a 


It  is  not  contagious  ;  but  filth  and  want  of  attention  will  produce  it  in 
nearly  all  horses  similarly  subjected  to  their  influences. 

How  to  know  it. — It  manifests  nearl}^  the  very  same  symptoms  as 
thrush,  as  given  in  the  following  section;  but  there  is  one  striking  pecu- 
liarity which  distinguishes  it  from  thrush,  foot-evil,  and  other  disorders 
Df  that  kind — the  heel  cracks  open.  In  a  healthy  state,  the  heel  of  the 
horse  is  moistened,  and  so  kept  from  becoming  dry  and  hard,  by  a  con- 
stant secretion  and  discharge  of  an  oily  fluid  from  the  cellular  tissues 
under  the  skin.  When  this  is  obstructed,  the  skin  becomes  dry  and 
feverish,  and  looks  scurfy  and  hot.  It  soon  thereafter  cracks,  and  the 
pent-up  oily  secretion,  now  turned  to  a  foul,  yellowish  water,  flows  out. 
As  the  flow  of  matter  increases,  it  becomes  more  and  more  thick,  stickey, 
and  stinking ;  and  if  not  attended  to,  the  heel  and  sides  of  the  foot 
become  a  mass  of  ulcerated  excrescenses. 

It  sometimes  manifests  itself  by  the  oozing 
out  of  a  thin  matter  through  the  pores  of  the 
skin  from  some  deep-seated  disease  of  either  the 
coffin-bone  or  the  navicular  Joint  —  most  fre- 
quently the  latter.  The  more  effective  treatment 
in  this  case  would  of  course  be  that  directed  to 
the  healing  of  the  primary  disorder. 

What  to  do. — The  treatment  necessary  is   sim- 
ilar to  that  for  scratches.     In  the  first  place,  see 
to   it  that  the  causes  which  have  induced  it   shall 
no  longer  operate.     If  the  disease  is  secondary,  it 
must  be  somewhat  difficult  to  manage ;  and  the  ani- 
mal should  be  allowed  to  rest,  taking  only  such  ex- 
ercise as    nature  prompts,  in    an  open   pasture,  ex- 
cept in  bad  weather.     When  it  is  necessary  to  con- 
fine him,    give   him    a   good  stable,  dry  litter,   and 
pure  air.      Remember  that  rest  is  one  of  the  first 
conditions  of  success  ;    while  constant  driving  or  any 
other  labor  will  most  probably  defeat  the  ends  of  the 
ph3'sician. 

If  the  disease  is  discovered  in  its  early  stage,  and 
the  general  health  of  the  animal  has  not  suffered, 
cleanse     the    parts   well    with    tepid     water     and 

castile  soap,  and  make  occasional  applications  of  No.  2,  or  the  camphor- 
ated corrosive  sublimate,  say  once  a  daj^  till  a  cure  is  effected.  A  few 
applications  will  generally  be  found  sufficient. 

If  the  horse  is  thin  m  flesh,  and  in  a  low  state  of  health  from  the 
effects  of  this  disease,  mix  sulphur  and  rosin,  in  the  proportion  of  two 


FiBST  Stage  of  Confibmbb 
Greas*  Exudation. 


Second  Stage  of  Coi»- 
FiBMED  Grease  CBAeks. 


264  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 

parts  of  the  former  to  one  of  the  hitter,  and  give  him  a  quarter  of  t 
pound  of  this  every  third  day  until  he  has  taken  three  or  four  doses. 
Meanwhile,  thoroughly  saturate  the  parts  at  least  every  other  day  \\  ith 
No.  2  till  the  disease  is  thoroughly  conquered. 

If  the  liniment  forms  a  scab  upon  the  heel,  so  hard  and  dry  that  the 
remedial  eifects  seem  to  cease,  omit  the  liniment  for  several  days  and 
keep  the  heel  well  greased.  The  scab  will  come  off,  and  then  the  appli- 
cation of  the  liniment,  (No.  2),  may  be  resumed.  This  course  must  be 
persevered  in  till  a  cure  is  effected. 

The  liniment  should  be  applied  at  night ;  and  the  horse  should  not  be 
turned  into  pasture  when  the  grass  is  wet  ^\^th  dew  or  rain — at  any  rate, 
not  till  six  hours  after  the  application  has  been  made. 

In  Summer,  pa»sturage  will  in  general  afford  sufficient  food ;  but  in 
Winter  it  should  be  more  nourishing,  yet  green  and  succulent  as  far  as 
possible.  Roots  and  good  bran  mashes  ought  to  be  given  in  reasonable 
quantity.  Grain,  as  a  regular  diet  in  this  case,  is  objectionable,  on 
account  of  its  tendency  to  produce  inflammation. 

After  three  doses  of  the  sulphur  and  rosin  have  been  given,  as  directed, 
the  following  mixture,  given  every  night  until  all  traces  of  the  active 
disease  have  disappeared,  will  be  found  an  excellent  tonic  or  strengthen- 
ing medicine,  and  having  the  effect,  too,  of  giving  healthy  tone  to  the 
fikin : 

No.  3.  }i  Oz.  liquor  of  arsemcalis, 

1  Oz.  tincture  of  muriate  of  iron, 
>i   Pint  of  water. 

This  constitutes  a  dose.     Mix  and  give  as  a  drench. 
When  it  is  difficult  to  procure  No.  2,  the  following  may  be  prepared 
and  substituted  therefor : 

No.  4.  8  Oz.  tar, 

1  Oz.  beeswax, 

1  Oz.  rosin, 

1  Oz.  alum, 

1  Oz.  tallow, 

1  Oz.  sulphate  of  iron, 

1  Drachm  carbolic  acid. 

Mix,  and  boil  over  a  slow  fire,  stirring  as  long  as  dirty  scum  appears, 
•od  then  add  2  oz.  of  the  scrapings  of  sweet  elder. 

m.    Thrush. 

Causes. — This,  like  scratches,  results  for  the  most  part  from  foul 
•tables, — the  horses  being  forced  to  stand  in  mortar  of  dung  and  urine, — 
•r  from  working  in  muddy  and  filthy  places,  without  having  his  feet  and 
legs  well  cleansed  when  he  is  unharnessed  for  the  night. 


THE  HORSE,  SKIN    DISEASES,  ETC.  265 

It  is  sometimes  caused  by  injuries  to  the  frog  of  tlie  foot,  as  bruising, 
snagging,  and  improper  shoeing. 

It  may  arise  also  from  a  gross  habit  of  body,  producing  inlianmiation 
of  tiie  sensitive  frog,  when  a  spongy  substance  is  deposited  instead  of 
sound  horn  ;  and  this  breaks  away  and  leaves  the  frog  ragged  and  tender. 

Again,  it  may  come  from  too  frequently  stopping  soft  frogs  with  cow 
dung,  as  is  the  practice  of  some  grooms,  thus  encouraging  rather  than 
curing  decomposition. 

Lastly,  it  may  be  secondary,  having  resulted  from  other  diseases, 
superinduced  by  want  of  cleanliness  and  care. 

How  to  Know  It. — In  some  cases,  the  only  means  of  detecting  the 
existence  of  thrush  is  a  peculiar  smell,  or  by  very  careful  examination, 
as  the  hoof  may  show  no  change,  and  the  frog  may  not  be  tender.  In 
this  case  the  cleft  of  the  frog  will  generally  be  found  lengthened  and 
deepened,  the  opening  extending  to  the  sensitive  horn  within,  and  this, 
Avhen  thus  closely  observed,  shows  discharge  of  matter. 

The  progress  of  the  disease  is  often  slow,  though  showing  meanwhile 
no  disposition  to  heal ;  till  after  awhile  the  frog  begins  to  contract, 
becomes  tender,  grows  rough  and  brittle,  and  emits  a  more  offensive 
discharge.  The  horny  part  disappears,  and  a  hardened  substance  takes 
its  place ;  this  easily  scales  off  and  leaves  the  sensitive  frog  uncovered. 

In  its  advanced  state,  it  is  very  easily  detected,  as  it  "is  characterized 
by  a  continuous  discharge  of  offensive  matter  from  the  cleft  of  the  frog. 
If  not  reasonably  attended  to,  proud  flesh  sprouts  up  ;  and  as  this  spreads 
the  whole  foot  becomes  involved  in  canker. 

What  to  do. — In  the  first  place,  if  the  causes  which  have  produced  the 
disease  are  still  in  operation,  remove  these.  In  any  case,  when  the  horse 
is  to  be  stabled,  use  dry  litter,  and  see  that  the  stall  is  kept  clear  of 
moist  excrement,  and  that  it  is  well  ventilated. 

If  the  disease  is  secondary,  the  treatment  must  of  course  b^  directed 
to  removing  the  affection  from  which  it  has  sprung. 

In  its  simple  stages,  it  may  be  easily  cured  in  the  following  manner: 

Clean  well  with  soap  suds,  and  allow  to  dry.  Then,  wet  a  piece  of 
cloth  or  string  of  tow  with  the  liniment  No.  2,  and  press  it  into  the  cleft 
of  the  frog  and  the  corresponding  part  of  the  heel.  Remove  the  tow^ 
next  morning.  Continue  this  treatment,  (putting  in  the  saturated  tow  at 
crening),  for  four  days;  then  omit  a  day;  and  so  on  until  a  cure  is 
effected. 

Or,  sprinkle  a  small  quantity  of  blue  vitriol  in  the  cleft  of  the  frog, 
and  then  fill  up  the  cavities  with  cotton,  which  so  press  in  as  to  keep  out 
all  dirt.     Repeat  until  the  foot  is  cured. 


266  ILLUSTRATED   STOCK   DOCTOR. 

When  it  has  arisen  from  grossncss  and  inflammation,  rather  than  fror% 
filth  or  other  local  cause,  give  a  dose  of  Epsom  salts,  from  six  to  cighV 
ounces,  according  to  degree  of  inflammation  ;  use  less  stinmlating  food, 
and  give  him  reguhir,  but  not  too  severe  exercise  every  day.  The  local 
application  nmst  not  be  of  a  stimulating  character.  Put  the  foot  in  a 
bran  poultice,  and  let  it  remain  for  some  days,  till  the  inflammation  is 
reduced.  Be  careful,  however,  not  to  use  the  poultice  too  much,  as 
undue  softening  is  injurious.  Then  dress  the  frog  with  tar  ointment,  (a 
mixture  of  equal  parts  of  tar  and  gi'ease ) .  If  the  frog  is  found  not  to 
harden  by  the  application  of  the  tar  ointment,  moisten  it  occasionall}'^ 
with  a  solution  of  10  grs.  of  blue-stone  to  1  oz.  of  water;  or,  (which  is 
a  somewhat  more  j^owerful  medicine),  5  grs.  of  chloride  of  zinc  to  1  oz. 
of  water. 

When  the  disease  has  become  chronic,  it  is  hard  to  effect  a  cure,  and 
the  following  course  ought  to  be  adopted :  Clean  away  all  the  ragged 
portions  of  horn,  so  as  to  reach  the  sensitive  parts.  Then  smear  some 
tow  with  this  ointment. 

No.  5.  1  Drachm  ointment  of  nitrate  of  mercury, 

1  Oz.  zinc  ointment, 
4  Drops  creosote. 

Mix  well ;  and  having  smeared  the  tow  with  the  preparation,  as  directed, 
press  it  into  the  cleft  of  the  foot  and  retain  it  there  by  a  bar  shoe,  slightly 
tacked  on.  Apply  this  every  da}^  observing  its  effects.  If  found  not 
to  do  well,  tty  a  wash  made  of  six  gi'ains  of  sulphate  of  zinc,  dissolved 
in  one  ounce  of  water.  As  the  frog  grows,  it  should  be  kept  supple 
with  tar  ointment.  The  bar  shoe  should  be  kept  on  until  the  frog  is 
fully  developed.  Some  degree  of  pressure  must  be  employed  by  means 
of  tow,  and  this  pressure  should  be  increased  as  the  horn  increases  in 
substance.  When  proud  flesh  is  obstinate  it  may  be  burnt  away  at  once 
by  forcing  a  stick  of  nitrate  of  silver  (lunar  caustic,)  into  it. 

In  chronic  cases,  the  horse  should  have,  once  a  day,  in  his  food,  an 
alterative  dose,  (a  mild  improver  of  health),  say  a  table-spoonful  of 
sulphur  and  powdered  sassafras,  of  each  an  equal  quantity. 

The  following  mixture  is  sometimes  found  valuable  when  there  is  a 
tendency  to  proud  flesh.  The  ingredients  are  to  be  well  stirred  together 
and  sprinkled  into  the  cleft  of  the  frog,  where  it  must  be  confined  in  th« 
wme  manner  as  directed  f pr  powdered  blue  vitriol  alone  ; 

Wo.  6.  1  Oz  powdered  blue  vitriol, 

1  Oz.  copperas, 

2  Oz.  burnt  alum, 
1-2  Oz.  white  vitriol. 


THE    HOnyE,  8KIX    DISEASES,     ETC.  267 

IV.    Swelled  Ankles. 

Causes. — This  affection  invariably  arises  from  a  diseased  condition  ot 
Ihc  feet.  Its  origin  may  sometimes  be  traced  to  diseases  of  the  navicular 
and  lower  pastern  joints  ;  but  it  is  known  to  proceed  for  the  most  part 
from  hoof  rot.  It  seems  occasionally,  however,  to  result  from  a 
plethoric  condition  of  the  general  system,  a  superabundance  of  blood, 
hara  work,  severe  strains,  etc.,  etc. 

How  to  Know  It. — Confined  almost  wholly  to  the  ankle  joints,  it  is  not 
difficult  of  detection — the  only  point  of  importance  being  to  determine 
whether  the  swelling  is  merely  spasmodic  and  temporary,  or  whether  it 
is  the  result  of  a  primary  disorder  which  requires  attention.  It  is 
generally  perceptible  of  a  morning,  and  disappears  during  the  day, 
because  exercise  restores  healthful  action ;  but  when  there  is  really  a 
diseased  condition  of  the  bottom  of  the  foot,  the  fever  caused  thereby 
inflames  the  membrane  of  the  joint,  under  the  skin,  while  the  horse  is 
inactive,  and  the  swelling  again  takes  place.  If  the  ankles  present  a 
swollen  appearance  from  morning  to  morning,  attention  should  be 
directed  to  discover  the  real  condition  of  the  foot ;  and  appropriate 
treatment  must  be  resorted  to  before  the  disease  takes  the  chronic  and 
more  advanced  form  of  swelled  legs,  cracked  heels,  or  scratches. 

What  to  do. — If  the  swelling  proceeds  from  plethora,  or  too  gi-eat 
fulness  of  the  general  system,  give  an  occasional  dose  of  Epsom  salts,  to 
reduce  the  tendency  to  inflammation ;  and  feed  upon  green  and  succu- 
ient  food. 

If  it  proceeds  from  soreness  of  the  bottom  of  the  foot,  apply  No.  2 
freely  every  day  for  four  days  ;  then  omit  for  two  days,  and  apply  again. 
If  there  is  any  appearance  of  thrush  or  cracked  heels,  treat  as  directed 
for  the  removal  of  these. 

V.    Swelled  Legs. 

Causes. — Swelled  legs  may  be  the  result  either  of  an  undue  deposit  of 
serum  or  watery  particles  of  the  blood,  or  of  inflammation  of  the  cellular 
tissue  lying  between  the  skin  and  bones  in  those  parts  of  the  leg  most 
destitute  of  muscles. 

A  poor  condition  of  the  blood,  or  feebleness  from  great  loss  of  it,  may 
cjuse  the  legs  to  swell,  since  the  fluids  conveyed  to  the  extremities  by 
the  capillaries  accumulate  there,  because,  in  the  absence  of  muscular 
activity,  the  veins  have  no  power  to  return  them.  Diseased  kidneys 
have  a  tendency  to  produce  this  disorder  of  the  leo-s. 

The  inflammatory  type  may  result  from  blows  upon  the  lower  leg ; 
Trom  concussion;    or,  in  general,  from  anything  that  may   aiTest  the 


268 


ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 


action  of  the  cellular  ti.ssue  referred  to,  causing  it  to  lu'coine  dry  and  au 
length  acutely  inflamed.  It  may  also  arise  from  the  shifting  of  inliam* 
mation  from  other  parts,  as  from  the  lungs,  kidneys,  etc. 

Horses  of  coarse  tiber  and  full  habit,  accustomed  to  exercise,  if  allowed 
to  stand  idle  several  days,  will  have  swelled  legs  from  the  accumulation 
of  watery  fluid  ;  and,  if  unattended  to,  the  parts  may  soon  be  attacked 
hy  inflammation,  when  the  tissues  become  involved,  and  the  di.^ease 
assumes  its  more  serious  type. 

It  is  occasionally  a  mere  extension  of  the  effects  of  cracked  heels,  with 
its  primary  cause  resting  in  whatever  may  have  produced  the  primary 
disorder. 

How  to  know  it. — The  leg  becomes  greatly  swollen,  and  looks  sm 
though  it  was  stretched  to  its  utmost  tension.  Occasionally,  the  swell- 
ing appears  almost  suddenlj^  and  then  as  suddenly  subsides,  in  which 
case  the  cause  may  be  considered  as  having  but  just  begun  to  operate  ; 
and  if  now  treated,  it  is  easily  managed.  Again,  it  is  sometimes  sudden 
in  its  attack,  and  violent ;  the  skin  is  hot,  dry,  and  extremely  tender, 
and  the  pulse  is  quick  and  hard,  while  a  peculiar  lameness  speedily  sets 
in.  The  swelling  may  extend  to  the  sheath  and  along  the  belly,  as  far  as 
the  muscles  of  the  breast. 

In  the  more  advanced  stage  of  the  disease  small  cracks  appear  in  the 
skin  ,  and  from  these  exudes  a  watery  matter,  of  whitish-yellow  color, 
similar  to  that  which  is  seen  in  cracked  heels.  In  this  case  it  must  be 
taken  for  granted  that  no  treatment,  however  skilfull,  can  speedily 
remove  it ;  that  the  improvement  must  be  slow,  and  consequently  much 
time  required. 

What  to  do. — If  the  disease  seems  to  be  merely  undue  deposit  of 
serum,  owing  to  confinement,  nothing  more  may  be  necessary  than  to 
give  the  animal  a  dose  or  two  of  niter,  daily,  to  act  upon  the  kidneys ; 
and  to  exercise  him  regularly,  to  induce  absolution.  In  the  adminis- 
tering of  a  diuretic,  however,  even  so  simple  as  niter,  care  should  be 
taken  that  it  is  not  left  to  ignorant  and  irresponsible  grooms,  since  it 
may  be  given  in  excess,  and  result  in  disordering  the  kidneys,  and  thus 
ultimately  inducing  the  very  disease  which  it  is  intended  to  remed}'. 

When  there  is  a  tendency  to  swelled  legs  which  manifests  itself  in  tliiP 
morning,  but  disappears  during  the  exercise  of  the  day,  an  excellent  pre- 
ventive is  to  stand  the  horse  in  cold  water  to  his  knees,  half  an  liour, 
just  before  night,  and  then  rub  dry  before  stabling;  but  care  must  be 
taken  to  dry  the  legs  thoroughly,  or  the  plan  is  plainly  objectionable.  If 
it  should  be  found  not  to  yield  to  this,  administer  the  niter  in  modera- 
tion, as  previously  directed,  and  exercise  the  horse  regularly,  causing  him 


THE  HORSE,  SKIN  DISEASES,  ETC.  269 

to  sweat,  both  of  which  have  a  tendency  to  diminish  the  accumulated  fluid, 
and  to  assist  the  veins  and  absorbents  in  their  functions. 

In  case  the  horse  is  in  a  debilitated  condition,  and  the  swelling  is  mani- 
festly owing  to  the  sluggishness  of  the  circulation,  he  should  be  well  fed, 
on  nutritious  diet,  and  the  leg  or  legs  should  be  firmly,  but  not  tightly, 
bandaged.  Then  prepare  the  followiiig — a  tonic  and  somewhat  stimulat- 
ing medicine : 

I 

No.  7.  >i  Oz.  pulverized  assafoetida, 

1  Oz.  cream  of  tartar, 

2  Oz.  powdered  gentian, 
2  Oz.  African  ginger, 

4  Oz.  finely  pulverized  poplar  bark. 

Rub  these  ingredients  together  in  a  mortar  until  thoroughly  mixed. 
Divide  this  into  six  doses,  and  give  one,  in  the  food,  every  night  till 
exhausted.  The  bandage  should  be  removed  from  time  to  time,  and  the 
limb  subjected  to  a  brisk  hand-rubbing,  or  rubbing  with  a  medium 
coarse  cloth. 

If  the  disease  has  become  chronic,  and  the  animal  is  much  debilitated, 
the  following  more  stimulating  medicine  should  be  used. 

No.  8.  1  Oz.  powdered  golden  seal, 

1  Oz.  gentian, 

1  Oz.  balmony,  (or  snakehead), 
>^  Lb.  fiax  seed. 

Mix  well ;   and  divide  into  six  doses,  of  which  give  one  night  and 

morning   in   the   food.      Bandage    and   rub    alternately,    as   previously 

directed.     If  the  disease  does  not  speedily  show  signs  of  3delding  to  this 

treatment,    apply,    every   night,  omitting   the    bandage,    the    following 

liniment : 

Ko.  9.  2  Oz.  essence  of  cedar, 

1  Oz.  tincture  of  capsicum, 
1  pint  new  rum. 

When  cracking  of  the  skin  has  taken  place,  so  that  matter  exudes,  ant^ 
there  is  much  fever,  the  following  course  has  been  found  eminently  suc- 
cessful, and  must  be  at  once  adopted :  First,  take  from  the  neck  vein 
three  quarts  of  blood.  Mix  finely  pulverized  sulphur  and  rosin,  in  the 
proportion  of  two  parts  of  the  former  to  one  of  the  latter ;  and  give 
daily,  for  three  or  four  days,  six  ounces  of  this  mixture.  It  should  be 
put  into  meal  or  bran,  and  the  horse  should  be  allowed  no  other  food 
until  he  readily  takes  this.  Meanwhile,  apply  No.  2  every  morning  to 
the  parts  most  evidently  affected,  until  the  swelling  has  entirely  subsided. 

In  these  chronic  cases,  it  is  best  not  to  feed  on  very  nutritious,  or  at 


270  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

least,  stimulating  food,  unless  the  horse  is  in  low  general  condition. 
Ordinarily,  pasturing  will  be  best,  when  the  season  admits  of  it.  If  it 
does  not,  he  should  have  light,  moist  diet ;  and  his  stable  should  be 
clean,  dry,  roomy,  and  so  supplied  with  litter  as  to  induce  him  to  lie 
down  as  much  as  possible. 

VI.    Surfeit. 

Causes. — This  disease,  sometimes  known  as  prurigo,  has  for  its  pre- 
disposing cause  a  thick  and  impure  state  of  the  blood,  with  deranged 
condition  of  the  digestive  organs.  When  the  animal  is  in  such  case,  any 
sudden  exposure  to  chill,  especially  when  he  has  been  heated,  will  pro- 
duce surfeit-pimples  ;  and  unless  the  general  condition  be  attended  to, 
a  contirmed  case  of  skin  disease  may  be  the  result. 

It  generally  appears  in  the  Spring,  at  the  time  of  shedding,  when  the 
skin  is  more  exposed  than  at  any  other  time  of  year,  and  the  horse  is 
still  exposed  to  sudden  spells  of  cold  and  w^et  weather.  The  skin,  thus 
bare,  is  easily  affected ;  and  if  the  chill  is  severe  or  too  frequently 
repeated,  inflammation  sets  in,  and  the  cuticle  or  outer  skin  becomes 
hard  and  dry  because  the  pores  are  so  closed  as  to  retain  the  oily  secre- 
tions necessary  to  moisten  the  surface. 

Some  poisonous  herbs  produce  this,  or  a  similar,  eruption  of  the  skin, 
and  musty  hay  has  been  known  to  have  a  like  effect. 

Quick  surfeit,  or  that  Avhich  arises  suddenly,  even  in  animals  in  good 
general  condition,  upon  being  overheated  and  suddenly  cooled  by  chill 
air  or  an  over-draught  of  water,  may  disappear  upon  his  being  brought 
to  a  sweat  by  exercise  ;  but  that  which  is  contracted  while  the  horse  is  in 
general  ill  condition  is  apt  to  become  confirmed,  and,  unless  timely  atten- 
tion is  bestowed,  may  settle  on  the  lungs  and  cause  serious  trouble. 

How  to  know  it. — No  symptoms  precede  an  attack  of  surfeit  by  which 
its  approach  may  be  known.  The  pimples  or  lumps,  in  quick  surfeit, 
suddenly  appear,  and  almost  as  quickly  subside.  When  a  case  of  con- 
firnicd  surfeit  has  sot  in,  the  skin  is  hard,  dry,  and  feverish  ;  and  pimples 
appear,  sometimes  confined  to  the  neck,  ])ut  more  frequently  spread  over 
the  sides,  back,  loins,  and  quarters.  Occasionally,  these  are  attended 
with  great  itching,  while  again  they  seem  to  cause  no  annoyance.  When 
they  have  remained  a  few  days,  they  discharge,  in  small  quantities,  a  thin, 
whitish,  oily  matter.  Small,  scabby  excrescences,  formed  by  the  dis- 
charging sores,  cover  the  parts.  These  come  off,  taking  the  hair  with 
them,  and  leaving  a  small  scaly  spot^ — sometimes,  though  rarely,  a  sore. 

Surfeit  is  sometimes  mistaken  for  button-farcy  ;  but  it  may  be  distin- 
guished from  this  by  the  shape  of    the  pimples  :    in  surfeit  these  are 


THE    HORSE,    SKIN    DISEASES,    ETC. 


271 


elevated  in  the  center ;  whereas,  in  farcy  the  lumps  are  rather  flat  on 
top  and  have  thick  edges,  like  a  button  in  the  skin.     Farcy  buds  generally 


A  Horse  Affected  with  Surfeit. 


appear  on  the  inside  of  the  thighs  and  fore  legs,  while   surfeit  pimpiee 
are  seldom  found  in  these  places. 

If  not  promptly  and  properly  attended  to,  surfeit  is  likely  to  degen- 
erate into  mange,  which  it  is  sometimes  taken  to  be,  even  in  its  early 
stages ;  but  it  may  be  known  from  mange  by  tiying  the  short  hairs  at 
the  roots  of  the  mane :  if  it  is  mange,  they  will  be  loose  and  come  out> 
but  if  surfeit,  they  will  show  their  natural  condition. 

What  to  do. — If  the  general  condition  of  the  horse  is  good,  and  the 
affection  has  evidently  arisen  from  sudden  exjDosure  or  some  other 
imprudence  on  the  part  of  the  person  having  him  in  charge,  little 
treatment  will  be  necessary.  Prevent  costiveness  and  keep  down  fever 
by  cooling  food,  such  as  bran  mashes,  roots,  and  other  moist  provender. 
Give  arsenical  drink  once  a  day,  a  pint  at  a  time,  to  act  on  the  skin,  until 
cure  is  effected,  being  careful,  meanwhile,  if  the  weather  is  cool,  to  keep 
the  horse  comfortably  warai — blanketing  him  if  necessary;  and  a  half 
hour's  walking  exercise  should  be  given  him  daily.  The  arsenical  drink 
consists  of  these  ingredients  in  the  proportions  named  ; 


No.  10. 


1  Fluid  oz.  arsenicalis,  or  Fowler's  solution, 
1  >i  Fluid  oz.  tincture  of  muriate  of  iron, 
1  Quart  water. 


If  the  disease  has  sprung  from  a  thick  and  impure  state  of  the  bloody 
disordered  digestive   organs,  and  general  ill  condition,  take  from  thb 


272  ILLUSTRATED   STOCK   DOCTOR. 

neck  vein  from  three  to  five  quails  of  blood,  according  to  strength^ 
extent  of  eruption  and  degree  of  fever.  Keej)  hhn  from  becoming 
costive  ])v  cooling  and  laxative  food,  as  previously  directed ;  see  that  he 
is  comfortably  stabled,  if  the  weather  is  at  all  inclement,  and  givd,  oa 
•t^veral  successive  nights,  the  following  alterative : 

No.  11.  2  Drachms  levigated  (finely  ground)  antimony, 

3  Drachms  niter, 

4  Drachms  sulphur. 

The  food  should  be  good  —  if  possible,  green  and  succulent;  and  It 
wjtl  be  found  advantageous  to  take  the  chill  from  wkter  given  him,  if  the 
weather  is  at  all  cold.  If  the  appetite  is  bad,  place  gi-uel  in  the  manger, 
so  thi't  he  may  use  it  instead  of  water  till  stronger  food  is  relished. 

If  it  is  Summer,  or  Spring  is  sufficiently  advanced  to  be  mild,  he  maj 
be  turned  to  pasture  ;  but  in  any  event,  he  should  be  allowed  to  rest 
during  treatment. 

In  the  more  confirmed  cases  a  speedy  cure  is  not  to  be  expected  ;  but 
good  food,  not  of  a  nature  to  induce  costiveness  and  inflammation,  and 
proper  cai-e  as  to  warmth  and  cleanliness,  together  with  a  proper  use  of 
No.  11,  will  bring  the  patient  round  in  time. 

In  very  obstinate  cases,  occasionally  anoint  those  parts  where  the 
umps  appear  with  a  mixture  of  sulphur  and  lard,,  in  equal  proportions. 

VII.    Mange. 

Causes. — This  is  sometimes  brought  about  by  the  same  causes  as 
surfeit ;  or  rather,  it  is  indeed  but  an  advanced  or  chronic  stage  of  that 
disease  ;  though  in  some  cases  of  the  same  kind,  it  is  of  a  much  more 
serious  character  in  itself,  and  highly  contagious. 

When  not  a  mere  secondary  stage  of  neglected  surfeit,  its  immediate 
cause  is  a  parasite — the  acarus — bred  in  the  skin  of  the  animal  when 
subjected  to  dirt  and  filth,  and  debilitated  by  hard  living  and  ill  usage, 
or  by  total  neglect  and  lack  of  food.  The  acarus  produces  mange  in  the 
horse  in  the  same  manner  as  the  human  parasite  produces  itch  in  man  ; 
but  it  is  of  a  different  species,  and  frequently  so  large  as  to  be  visible 
to  the  naked  eye. 

Neglect,  starvation,  and  accumulated  filth  having  induced  a  depraved 
state  of  the  digestive  apparatus,  with  which  the  skin  sympathises,  and 
the  insect  once  having  obtained  a  lodgment,  the  horse,  unless  promptly 
taken  iu  hand,  soon  becomes  a  loathsome  object,  and  dies. 

The  disease  once  contracted  in  this  way,  may  be  communicated  to  even 
Bound  animals,  in  good  condition ;  in  fact,  the  great  majority  of  cases 
ire  thus  contracted,  as  comparatively  few  animals  are  so  utterly  neglected 


THE  HORSE,  SKIN  DISEASES,  ETC.  273 

«  ^sXjjosed  tK  filthy  influences  as  to  become  in  themselves  the  generators 
<?t  these  mange-breeding  insects.  It  is  regarded  as  one  of  the  most 
contagious  diseases  to  which  the  horse  is  subject,  and  may  be  imparted 
not  only  to  other  horses,  but  to  cattle,  hogs,  and  dogs,  though  it  is 
asserted  by  good  authority  that  none  of  these  can  in  turn  communicate  it 
to  the  horse. 

The  curry-comb,  brush,  collar,  or  blanket  which  has  been  used  on  a 
mangy  horse  will  produce  the  infection  in  another ;  and  to  lie  in  the  same 
stall  or  to  rub  where  a  mangy  horse  has  rubbed  himself  is  almost  certain 
to  communicate  it  unless  the  animal  so  exposed  is  exceedingly  healthful 
and  in  active  condition  of  body. 

How  to  Know  It. — The  skin  is  at  first  scabby,  the  hair  comes  off,  and 
the  outer  skin  becomes  broken  into  little  scale-like  pieces.  These  fall 
off,  or  are  rubbed  off,  and  leave  the  parts  raw  and  sore.  The  general 
appearance  of  the  skin  where  the  raw  spots  are  not  too  numerous  is  a 
dirty  brown,  and  it  is  loose,  flabby  and  puckered.  The  horse  is  impelled 
by  itching  to  rub  himself  frequently  and  violently,  and  he  thus  leaves  his 
scurf,  dandruff,  and  in  the  more  advanced  stage,  his  parasites,  at  every 
place. 

Usually,  where  the  disease  is  engendered  in  the  animal  itself ,  it  appear," 
first  on  the  side  of  the  neck,  just  at  the  edges  of  the  mane,  and  on  the 
inside  of  the  quarters  near  the  root  of  the  tail.  From  these  parts  the 
eruption  extends  along  the  back  and  down  the  sides,  seldom  involving  the 
extremities,  except  in  the  very  worst  cases.  Sometimes,  though  rarely 
the  ears  and  eye-brows  are  attacked  and  left  bare. 

When  it  is  the  result  of  contagion,  the  horse  may  at  first  be  in  health  •, 
but  the  constant  irritation  makes  him  feverish,  the  hair  falls  off  as  in  th*. 
first  case  described,  leaving  the  skin  in  those  places  almost  bare ;  and 
little  red  pimples  appear  here  and  there.  Each  of  these  contains  a 
parasite,  and  the  pimples  are  connected  by  furrows  along  which  the 
parasites  have  worked  their  way.  In  time  they  increase  in  number  and 
size,  and  from  them  exudes  a  matter  which  hardens  into  a  scab.  Under 
these  scabs  the  parasites  may  be  found,  upon  removing  them  and  care- 
fully examining  in  the  sunlight. 

In  the  early  stage  of  the  disease,  where  it  may  be  suspected,  but  is  not 
yet  fully  manifest,  it  may  be  detected  by  placing  the  fingers  among  tho 
roots  of  the  mane  and  tickling  the  skin  with  the  nails.  The  horse  is  so 
sensitive  to  titillation  when  in  this  condition  that  he  will  thereupon  stretch 
out  bis  neck  and  evince  the  most  unmistakable  pleasure  as  long  as  the 
tickling  ':ontinues. 

What  to  do. — The  most  effectual  preventive,  it  will  be  readily  inferred 


274  ILLUSTRATED   STOCK   DOCTOR. 

from  the  preceding  .statement  of  causes,  is  cleanliness.  In  no  case 
should  a  healthy  animal  be  allowed  to  occupy  a  stable  where  a  mangy 
one  has  been  kept  until  it  shall  have  previously  been  washed  with  water 
strongly  impregnated  with  sulphur  and  chloride  of  lime — say  half  a 
pound  of  powdered  sulphur  and  one  pint  of  chloride  of  lime  to  each 
gallon  of  water.  If  the  stable  is  thoroughlj'  cleansed  of  loose  litter  aiid 
du*t,  and  all  parts  that  may  have  been  rubbed  against  by  a  mangy  horse 
perfectly  saturated  with  this  solution  two  or  three  times,  on  as  many 
consecutive  days,  there  can  be  no  danger  in  using  it.  Clothing,  curry- 
comb, brush,  etc.,  that  may  have  come  in  contact  with  such  animal, 
should  be  burned  up. 

If  starvation,  weakness,  and  general  ill  condition  have  caused  the 
mange,  a  patent  means  for  its  removal  will  be  found  in  giving  him  clean 
quarters  and  good  nourishing  food ;  which,  however,  should  not  be  at 
first  of  a  heating  nature.  Generous  pasturage,  unless  the  weather  is 
damp,  will  be  sufficient ;  otherwise,  a  full  supply  of  oats  and  chop  food 
should  be  given.  It  cannot  be  too  much  insisted  upon  that  especially 
while  treating  a  horse  for  disease  his  stable  should  be  dry,  well  ventilated 
and  properly  supplied  with  litter. 

In  cases  of  full  habit  of  body,  where  the  disease  is  the  result  of 
contact,  and  the  presence  of  high  fever  is  noted,  bleed  once,  taking  from 
the  neck  vein  from  three  to  five  quarts,  according  to  the  condition  of  the 
animal  and  the  degree  of  fever ;  but  if  it  is  the  result  of  poverty  and 
debility,  do  not  bleed  at  all. 

Next,  have  him  as  thoroughly  cleansed  of  scab  and  dirt  as  possible,  with 
a, wisp  of  hay,  and  by  softly  and  lightly  using  a  curry-comb.  Then 
ptepare  a  liniment  of  the  following  ingredients  and  in  the  proportions 
here  given  for  greater  or  less  quantities  : 

Ko.  12.  1  Quart  animal  glycerine, 

1  Gill  creosote. 
K  Pint  turpentine, 
1  Gill  oil  of  juniper. 

Mix  all  together  and  shake  well ;  and  with  this  saturate  the  whole  skin, 
as  nearly  as  possible,  rubbing  in  well  with  a  soft  cloth.  Care  must  be 
taken  to  rub  it  in  thoroughly.  A  little  well  i-ubbed  in  is  better  than 
much  merely  smeared  on. 

Leave  him  in  this  condition  two  days  ;  then  wash  him  well  with  warrii 
water  and  soft  soap  ;  stand  him  in  the  sunshine  if  the  weather  admits, 
and  rub  with  a  wisp  of  hay  or  with  suitable  cloths  until  he  is  dry ;  after 
which,  anoint  him  pretty  well  all  over  with  the  mixture  described,  No. 
12,  and  rub  it  in.     This  course  should  be  pursued  until  a  cure  is  effected. 


THE   HORSE,  SKIN   DISEASES,     ETC.  275 

Two  to  four  applications  will  generally  be  found  sufficient,  even  m 
obstinate  cases,  if  care  is  taken  as  to  food  and  drink.  The  following 
alterative  will  be  found  beneficial  : 

No.  13.  1  Oz.  tartarized  antimony, 

2  Drs.  muriate  of  quicksilver, 

3  Oz.  powdered  ginger. 

3  Oz.  powdered  anise  seeds. 

Mix  with  mucilage  so  as  to  form  a  consistent  mass  ;  divide  into  six 
balls,  and  give  one  every  morning  till  the  eruption  disappears. 

Care  must  be  taken  that  the  patient  is  not  exposed  to  rain  or  heavy 
dews  while  under  this  course  of  treatment. 

Vin.    Bingworm. 

Causes. — ^There  are  two  kinds  of  ringworm ;  one  simple,  of  sponta- 
neous origin,  and  non-contagious.  The  other  contagious.  The  first 
is  usually  the  result  of  indigestion  or  confinement  in  close  and  foul 
apartments,  as  in  filthy  and  ill-aired  stables,  railroad  cars  or  ship  holds. 
The  latter,  or  contagous  kind,  is  found  on  horses  of  good  condition,  as 
well  as  on  diseased  and  neglected  ones,  and  is  produced  by  vegetable 
parasites  in  the  hairs  and  hair-glands. 

How  to  know  It. — ^It  is  especially  common  in  Winter  and  Spring,  and 
appears  on  the  face,  neck,  shoulders,  sides,  and  sometimes  elsewhere. 

When  non-contagious,  it  may  usually  be  known  by  its  appearing  as  an 
eruption  of  small  blisters,  about  the  size  of  a  wheat  grain,  on  inflamed 
patches  of  skin.  These  assume  a  circular  form  ;  and  if  not  seasonably 
attended  to,  the  circle  enlarges  and  covers  fresh  portions  of  skin. 

The  contagious  type  appears  in  round,  bald  spots,  covered  with  white 
scales,  and  surrounded  by  a  ring  of  bristly,  broken,  or  split  hairs,  with 
scabs  around  the  roots,  and  some  eruption  on  the  skin.  These  broken 
hau's  soon  drop  out,  and  a  wider  ring  is  formed.  The  most  marked 
characteristic  of  the  contagious  or  parasitical  ringworm  is  the  splitting  of 
the  hairs  in  the  ring,  and  the  perfect  baldness  of  the  central  part. 

Occasionally  the  patches,  in  either  form  of  the  disease,  assume  an 
iiregular  rather  than  a  really  circular  form. 

Any  attack  of  this  sort  is  usually  marked  also  by  the  horse's  rubbing 
*nd  scratching  himself  against  the  sides  of  his  stable,  or  convenient 
objects  outside ;  but  this  is  not  to  be  depended  upon  as  a  marked  symp- 
tom, since  it  likewise  indicates  surfeit  and  mangre. 

What  to  do — If   a   simple,  non-contagious    case,   shave   the   hairs    p< 
closely  as  possible  from  the  affected  part,   and  paint  with    tincture  Of 
iodine  ;  or,  if  scratches  or  little  ulcers  have  appeared  on  the  patch,  rub  it 
with  the  folloAving  stimulating  and  healing  ointment  : 
IF 


fiT8  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK   DOCTOR. 

No.  14.  10  Grains  nitrate  of  silver, 

1  Oz.  lard. 

If  it  is  a  case  of  the  contagious  or  scaly  variety,  wash  the  patches 
thoroughly  with  soft  water  and  soft  soap,  and  then  rub  every  day  with 
the  following  ointment  : 

No.  15.  >i  Drachm  iodine, 

1  Drachm  iodide  of  potash, 

1  Oz.  cosmoline. 

If  through  neglect  and  long  standing  it  has  ulcerated,  use  this  ointment 
twice  daily : 

No.  ItJ.  6  Oz.  pyroligneous  acid, 

5  Oz.  ImseecS  oil, 

2  Oh.  spit  its  oi  camphor. 

If  it  has  become  obstinate — not  yielding  to  the  foregoing  treatment — • 
apply  a  blister  directly  over  the  patch,  and  then  treat  as  for  a  common 
8ore,  using  some  simple  ointment. 

If  there  are  signs  of  constipation  and  fever,  care  must  be  taken  to  keep 
the  bowels  open  and  regular,  and  to  avoid  stimulating  grain  food.  A 
seasonable  supply  of  cut  grass  and  sliced  potatoes,  or  of  carrots,  if  they 
can  be  obtained,  should  be  allowed.  If  in  Spring  and  Summer,  and  the 
horse  is  not  in  active  use,  put  him  to  pasture  for  a  few  days. 

When  the  horse  shows  a  tendency  to  weakness,  as  is  sometimes  the 
/jase  with  young  animals,  and  with  those  suffering  from  neglect,  give 
good  nutritious  food,  and  tonic  medicine  in  moderation. 

To  prevent  spreading  the  contagious  form,  clean  the  stable  where  a 
horse  so  afflicted  has  stood,  and  wliit6-wash  its  interior  thoroughly. 
Wash  the  harness,  collars,  and  whatever  else  may  have  covered  the  ring- 
worm, with  strong  soap  and  water,  and  rub  them  over  with  a  solution  of 
corrosive  sublimate,  (one  drachm  to  a  pint  of  water.)  If  the  horse  has 
been  blanketed  while  suffering  with  the  disease,  the  blanket  should  be 
well  boiled. 

IX.    Hide-bound. 

Causes — Strictly  speaking,  this  is  not  of  itself  a  disease,  though  th« 
*kin  is  in  a  peculiarly  abnormal  condition,  but  the  result  of  a  diseased 
condition  of  the  general  system  or  of  derangement  of  some  specific  vjtal 
function.  With  respect  to  the  cuiuses  from  which  it  arises,  it  is  some- 
what similar  to  mange ;  but,  unlike  mange,  it  is  neither  eruptive  nor 
contagious. 

Poverty   and   cruel   usage — ^the   food   being  deficient   in  quantity  or 


THK    HORSE,    SKIN    DISEASES,    ETC. 


27T 


Onk  of  the  Cad8ks  of  Hide-bound  in  Horses. 

quality,  and  the  labor  onerous — ^bring  on  impaired  digestion  ;  the  blood 
becomes  thick,  dark,  and  feverish,  because  the  secretive  processes  are 
sluggishl}^  performed  ;  the  skin  sympathizes  with  these  internal  disorders, 
and  the  lubricating  fluid  through  the  pores  is  suspended ;  and  then, 
instead  of  remaining  soft  and  pliant,  it  becomes  dry  and  adheres  to  the 
body.  A  disordered  state  of  the  stomach,  bowels,  and  urinary  and 
respirator}^  organs  may  be  considered  as  having  produced  it  when  no 
specific  form  of  disease  can  be  discovered  as  existing ;  but  it  is  an  almost 
invariable  accompaniment,  in  a  greater  or  less  degree  of  intensity,  of  big 
head,  glanders,  grease,  farcy,  founder,  distemper,  bad  cases  of  swinney, 
big  shoulder,  lock-jaw,  consumption,  and  chronic  d^^sentery.  The  fever 
in  these  dries  up  the  watery  secretions  and  shrinks  the  hide. 

Formerly  it  was  supposed  to  be  caused  by  worms  in  the  stomach  and 
alimentary  canal ;  but  this  is  erroneous.  Worms  may  of  course  exist 
while  the  horse  is  in  this  state,  but  they  are  rather  a  consequence  than  a 
cause — ^the  result  of  imperfect  digestion  and  excretion.  The  skin,  as 
has  been  elsewhere  stated,  sympathizes  readily  with  the  vital  internal 
organs,  and  in  all  obscure  cases  hide-bound  should  be  considered  a 
symptom  of  disorder  in  these,  and  treated  accordingly. 

How  to  know  it — The  skin  is  diy  and  hard,  and  the  hair  is  rough  and 
rusty.  Both  are  evidently  destitute  of  that  oil  by  which  in  health  they 
are  kept  in  soft,  pliant,  and  glossy  condition.  Adhering  almost  immov- 
ably to  the  ribs,  legs,  neck — almost  every  part  of  the  body — ^the  skin 
cannot  be  caught  up  in  folds  with  the  hand.  At  times  it  appears  scurfy, 
and  the  exhalants,  (ha^dng  the  quality  of  gi^ang  out  or  evaporating),  pour 


278  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 

forth  unusual   quantities   of  matter,  the   more  solid  portions  of  whicli 
form  scales  and  give  the  horse  a  filthy  appearance. 
The  excrement  or  dung  is  dry,  hard,  and  black. 

What  to  do. — Especial  pains  must  be  taken  to  discover,  if  possible, 
wlmt  specific  disease  has  given  rise  to  this  state  of  the  skin.  If  the 
cause  is  obscure,  direct  the  treatment  to  restoring  a  healthy  condition  of 
the  digestive  organs.  Begin  by  bettering  his  treatment  in  every  way. 
Instead  of  hard  labor,  he  should  have  only  gentle  exercise,  and  instead  of  ' 
being  left  exposed  to  the  rain,  snow,  and  merciless  winds,  in  barren  pas- 
ture land  or  filthy  barnyard,  he  should  be  well  sheltered,  and,  in  Winter, 
blanketed — using  for  this  purpose  two  blankets  joined  along  his  back  by 
tapes  so  that  a  space  of  an  inch  or  two  may  be  left  for  the  escape  of 
insensible  perspiration.  Instead  of  allowing  the  skin  to  grow  clogged, 
torpid,  and  dead  for  want  of  cleanliness  and  friction,  he  should  have 
regular  daily  currying  and  brisk  rubbing  with  good  brush  or  coarse  cloth, 
which  will  materially  aid  in  restoring  healthy  action  of  the  skin. 

If  it  is  pasture  season,  give  him  a  run  at  good  grass  during  the  day  ; 
but  stable  at  night  in  a  clean  stable,  furnished  with  dry  litter,  and  give 
him  a  generous  feed  of  bran  and  oats,  or  moistened  bran  and  chopped 
hay.     Mix  with  the  food  night  and  morning,  the  following  alterative : 

Ko.  17  3  Oz.  powdered  sasafras  bark, 

3  Oz.  sulphur, 
3  Oz.  salt, 
2  Oz.  bloodroot, 
2  Oz.  balmony, 
1  Lb.  oatmeal. 

Mix,  and  divide  into  twelve  doses. 

If  he  appears  in  the  beginning  of  the  treatment  to  be  filthy,  feverish, 
and  stiff,  bleed  him — ^taking  from  the  neck  vein  three  quarts.  If  the 
stiffness  continues,  bleed  again  after  seven  days,  taking  a  like  quantity. 

If  the  appetite  is  bad,  mix^vith  No.  17,  (the  alterative  above  described), 
a  spoonful  of  gi'ound  ginger ;  but  in  general  you  should  avoid  cordials, 
tonics,  and  aromatics,  (that  is,  warm  and  pungent  medicines).  They 
may  arouse  fever  that  would  otherwise  fail  to  develop  itself,  and  thus 
defeat  the  object  for  which  the  mild  laxatives  and  temperate  alteratives 
prescribed  have  been  given.  Cordials  may  indeed  arouse  the  vit.il 
functions  to  sudden  action ;  bUt  even  if  no  lasting  fever  is  created,  the 
action  soon  subsides,  rendering  it  necessary  to  continue  the  cordial  or 
forego  whatever  seeming  adNrantage  may  have  been  derived  from  it.  If 
excitment  is  continued  by  this  means,  the  powers  of  nature  are  impaired 
nnd  lasting  injury  done. 

A  good  and  sufficient  tonic  may  be  furnished,  of  which  the  horse  will 


THE  HORSE,  SKIN    DISEASBS,  ETC.  279 

partake  as  much  as  the  system  requires,  by  placing  a  poplar  pole  in  the 
stable,  upon  which  he  can  conveniently  gnaw. 

If  the  time  is  Winter,  it  will  generally  be  found  necessary  to  begin  the 
course  of  treatment  by  gi^ang  a  purgative,  say  two  ounces  of  Epsom  salts, 
wbich  may  be  repeated  within  seven  hours  if  it  fails  to  produce  the 
desired  action  ;  and  to  feed  him  on  laxative  food  until  constipation  is 
overcome  and  a  healthful  action  of  the  bowels  restored. 

Remember  that  one  of  the  very  first  objects  is  to  establish  regular 
action  of  the  bowels  ;  and  then  generous  diet,  (let  it  be  green  and  succu- 
lent if  possible,  but  at  any  rate  nutritious  without  being  inflammatory), 
vdih  cleanliness  and  regular  friction  of  the  hide,  will  do  more  than 
medicine.  Do  not  expect  to  effect  a  speedy  cure  ;  in  any  event,  the  very 
existence  of  hide-bound  indicates  chronic  disorder,  and  all  chronic  dis- 
eases require  time. 

If  it  is  known  to  be  the  result  of  a  well-defined  disease,  as  big-head, 
farcy,  etc.,  the  treatment  must  of  course  be  directed  to  the  removal  of 
that,  according  to  directions  elsewhere  given  in  this  work  ;  and  the  hide- 
bound will  disappear  as  its  immediate  cause  is  removed. 

X.    Saddle  Galls,  or  Sit-fasts. 

Causes. — These  are  swellings,  sores,  and  tumors,  caused  by  ill-fitting 
saddle  or  harness.  Different  names  are  applied  to  them  according  to 
their  appearance  and  character.  When  a  mere  heated  swelling  on  the 
horse's  back  or  shoulders  is  unattended  to,  while  he  is  kept  in  constant 
use,  it  sometimes  assumes  the  appearance  of  a  dead  patch  of  skin,  and 
is  then  called  a  warble;  when  these  ulcerate  and  discharge  pus,  and  a 
leather-like  piece  of  skin  is  firmly  fixed  upon  the  top  of  it,  the  name 
sit-fast  is  applied ;  and  when,  by  the  use  of  saddle  or  harness  before  a 
warble  or  sitfast  is  thoroughly  healed,  a  hard,  callous  lump  is  formed,  it 
is  called  a  navel  gall — said  to  be  so  called  because  it  is  generally  on  that 
part  of  the  back  opposite  the  navel. 

How  to  know  it — These  swellings,  sores,  and  tumors  require  no 
further  description  than  has  already  been  given. 

What  to  do. — The  first  and  most  essential  thing  is,  that  the  animal 
shall  be  allowed  to  rest ;  or  at  any  rate  be  subjected  to  such  labor  only 
as  will  not  require  the  same  chafing,  abrading  saddle  or  harness  which 
has  produced  the  trouble. 

Then,  if  it  is  merely  a  gall  or  scald — a  heated,  tender  swelling,  mthout 
either  suppuration  or  hardness — bathe  with  cold  salt  and  water  two  or 
three  times  daily.  When  the  heat  and  tenderness  are  sensibly  reduced, 
anoint  occasional! v, until  the  lump  has  entirely  disappeared, with  a  mixture 
of  tar  and  olive  oil,  equal  parts. 


280  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

If  it  has  assumed  the  character  of  a  t>itfast,  do  not  use  the  knife,  nor 
try  to  tear  the  dry  skin  awa}^  but  bathe  with  warm  soft  water,  and  then 
apply  a  poultice.  This  must  be  repeated,  if  necessary,  until  the  callous 
^kin  is  easily  removed,  and  then  anoint  frequently,  until  the  sore  is  healed, 
with  the  following : 

Ko.  18.  1  Dr.  iodide  of  potash, 

6  Drs.  simple  ointment, 
2  Drs.  glycerine. 

When  it  has  reached  the  stage  of  navel  gall — hard,  grisly,  almost 
horny — apply  daily  the  camphorated,  corrosive  sublimate.  No.  2.  Shake 
the  bottle  well  before  pouring  it  out ;  use  a  mop  with  which  to  put  it  on  ; 
then,  when  it  is  thoroughly  saturated  with  this  liniment,  use  a  hot  iron 
with  which  to  dry  it  in. 

When  one  finds  his  horse  suffering  in  this  way  under  saddle  or  harness, 
his  own  interests,  as  well  as  the  promptings  of  humanity,  demand  that 
he  shall  at  once  remove  the  cause,  if  possible  ;  but  it  is  sometimes  the 
case  that  this  cannot  be  done  —  absence  on  a  journey,  military  necessity, 
press  of  farm  or  road  work,  requiring  regular  service.  Under  these 
circumstances  the  saddle  or  harness  should  receive  immediate  attention 
and  subsequent  watchfulness  on  the  part  of  the  rider  or  driver.  The 
padding  must  be  taken  out  of  the  saddle  or  collar  so  as  to  obviate 
pressure  on  the  part  affected ;  or,  as  for  the  saddle,  the  blanket  may  be 
so  arranged  as  to  lift  it  from  the  spot.  The  sore  place  must  be  bathed 
well  with  salt  and  water  as  soon  as  possible  after  it  is  discovered  ; 
and  then  covered  with  a  piece  of  adhesive  plaster,  heated,  of  course, 
until  it  sticks  readily.  If  matter  has  formed,  a  hole  should  be  cut  in 
the  middle  of  the  plaster  to  allow  it  to  escape. 

Treated  in  this  way,  the  horse  may  be  ridden  from  day  to  day,  and 
recover  while  in  use. 

Greasing  collars  and  other  parts  of  harness  Avill  frequently  prevent 
that  chafing  which  results  in  sores  and  callous  tumors. 

If  the  horse,  through  constitutional  tenderness,  is  subject  to  these 
swellings  and  sores,  it  is  well  to  put  the  saddle  on  half  an  hour  before 
using  him  ;  and  leave  it  on,  having  slightly  loosened  the  girths,  for  a  half 
Yiour  or  an  hour  afterward,  thus  preventing  sudden  change  in  the  temper- 
ature of  the  skin. 

XI.    Fungous  Collar  Tumor. 

Causes — This  in  its  nature  is  essentially  the  same  as  that  described  in 
the  preceding  section  as  saddle  gall,  or  sitfast — differing,  however,  in 
location  and  specific  cause.     It  is  an  inflammation  and  swelling  beneath 


THE  HORSE,  SKIN  DISEASES,  ETC.  28 J 

the  large  flat  muscle  that  covers  the  front  of  the  shoulder,  and  is  caused 
by  the  chafing  of  the  collar. 

How  to  know  it — it  is  scarcely  necessary  to  undertake  farther  descrip. 
tion  of  a  well-known,  visible  affection.  It  is  usually  found  near  the 
point  of  the  shoulder ;  and  the  character  of  the  tumor  as  to  simplicity 
or  severity  can  be  readily  determined  by  examination.  If  of  considerable 
standing,  it  will  be  found  so  hard  as  to  render  it  almost  impossible  to 
detect  any  fluctuation  that  would  indicate  the  presence  of  matter. 
Where  there  is  much  swelling,  however,  there  is  almost  invariably  matter, 
and  no  cure  can  be  effected  until  this  is  removed.  In  cases  less  marked 
there  will  be  a  small,  hard  or  indurated  lump  without  matter. 

Under  similar  conditions  as  those  mentioned  in  the  preceding  section, 
it  may  form  a  leathery  patch  in  the  center  and  become  a  real  sitfast. 

What  to  do — The  tumor  must,  if  possible,  be  so  treated  as  to  leave  no 
scar  or  lump,  as  this  would  be  easily  irritated  by  the  collar  upon  subse- 
quent use,  and  prove  a  source  of  constant  trouble.  The  first  thing  in 
order  will  be  to  take  the  horse  from  work,  if  at  all  practicable.  If  not, 
use  a  breast-strap,  so  as  to  prevent  all  further  chafing.  If  the  swelling 
is  recent,  apply  cold  water  often,  or  cover  the  part  Avith  a  wet  rag  hung 
over  the  shoulders  in  such  a  way  as  to  remain  in  contact  with  the  swelling. 
This  must  be  kept  constantly  wet. 

But  if  the  tumor  is  large,  and  of  long  standing — already  hardened 
and  containing  matter  deeply  hidden,  open  with  a  knife — making  a 
smooth,  vertical  cut,  and  of  suflScient  depth  to  thoroughly  evacuate 
the  pus.     Syringe  the  opening  well  every  day  with  the  following  solution ; 

No.  19.  30  Grains  chloride  of  zinc, 

1  Quart  water. 

If  the  wound  seems  inclined  to  heal  and  leave  a  hard  lump  in  doing  so, 
discontinue  the  injection,  and  rub  frequently  with  the  following  liniment 
to  promote  the  absorption  of  the  callous  or  gristly  formation  : 

No.  20.  1  Oz.  iodine, 

12  Oz.  soap  liniment. 

Xn.    Warts. 

Causes. — it  is  difficult  to  point  out  anything  that  may  be  implicitly 
received  as  the  cause  of  these  excrescences.  Generally  accompanying  a 
plethoric  condition,  they  may  be  considered  as  owing  their  origin  prima- 
rily to  high  feeding  and  insufficient  exercise.  This,  however,  must  not 
be  taken  as  conclusive,  since  they  not  unfrequently  appear  upon  active 
animals,  of  meagre  habit. 


282  ILLUSIllATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

The  manner  of  their  formation  seems  to  be  this  :  Knots  in  the  true  ski« 
urc  <'-radualiy  developed,  being  surrounded  with  a  covering  of  the  scarf- 
akin,  something  thickened  and  matted  together ;  and  this  outer  covering 
generally  dries  and  splits  into  fibers  towards  the  top,  while  blood,  in 
greater  (juaiitities  than  usual,  is  sent  to  the  inner  or  vascular  parts  ;  and 
more  nutriment  is  thus  diverted  to  it  than  to  the  surrounding  flesh,  so 
that  an  upward  or  outward  growth  is  promoted. 

Seed  warts  usually  make  their  appearance  on  the  eyelids,  the  nose,  the 
Hheath  and  adjoining  jiarts  of  the  belly ;  the  encysted  or  sac  warts,  on 
the  pasterns,  hock-joints,  and  knee-joints,  and  sometimes  upon  the  sheath 
and  neighboring  parts. 

Unless  warts  appear  upon  the  penis  they  are  not  injurious  to  health, 
and  at  first  occasion  little  inconvenience  unless  upon  the  shoulder  or 
some  part  where  harness  or  saddle  touches  constantly  ;  but  they  should 
be  removed,  nevertheless — particularly  the  sac  wart  and  those  seed  warts 
which  manifest  a  tendency  to  enlargement.  If  the  encysted  or  blood 
wart  is  allow^ed  to  remain  it  will  almost  invariably  enlarge  and  spread. 

How  to  know  it. — There  are  two  kinds  of  these  formations,  one  of 
which  is  fibrous,  white,  and  gristly  or  cartilaginous,  but  somewhat 
spongy  lump,  contained  in  a  sac  or  cell  which  has  taken  its  rise  from  the 
•outer  or  scarf-skin  ;  and  the  other  is  a  somewhat  cartilaginous  substance, 
not  inclosed,  but  adhering  firmly  to  the  skin — a  hard  excrescence, — the 
«'  seed  wart," — which  is  too  well  known  to  require  particular  description. 
It  is  sometimes  difficult  to  distinguish  the  blood  wart,  as  the  former  is 
Bometimes  called,  from  the  seed  wart ;  but  it  generally  presents  a  more 
rounded,  smooth  appearance,  and  sometimes  hangs  as  by  a  little  stem,  in 
which  last  case  it  is  readily  known. 

What  to  do. — If  there  is  doubt  as  to  the  character  of  the  wart,  the 
miitter  maj^  he  speedily  determined  by  running  a  sharp-knife  through  it ; 
when,  if  a  blood  or  sac  wart,  the  contents  will  come  out,  accompanied 
by  more  or  less  copious  bleeding ;  whereas,  the  seed  wart  will  in  tliia 
ease  be  merely  divided  by  the  incision,  each  part  retaining  its  firmness  or 
consistency. 

When  the  blood  wart  is  thus  opened,  nothing  more  will  be  necessary 
than  to  touch  the  part  with  a  solution  of  chlonde  of  zinc,  one  grain  tc 
the  ounce  of  water,  or  lunar  caustic.  When  these  warts  are  attached  to 
the  skin  by  narrow  bases,  or  small  stems,  they  may  be  clipped  off  with 
knife  or  scissors,  and  the  part  slightly  burned  over  with  caustic  as  pre- 
viously directed. 

If  the  growth  is  of  the  fixed  kind,  or  seed  wart,  remove  by  means  of 
«Mqssors  or  knife  when  standing  singly ;  but  if  the  stem  or  base  is  large, 


THE   HORSE,    SKIN    DISEASES,    ETC.  283 

or  if  the  warts  grow  in  bunches,  too  numerous  and  too  close  together  to 
be  cut  away,  pick  off  or  otherwise  chafe  the  rough  outer  surface  so  as  to 
make  it  bleed ;  then  with  a  stiff  brush  rub  in  yellow  orpiment  wetted 
with  a  little  water,  and  in  a  few  days  they  will  come  away,  or  may  be 
rubbed  off,  and  leave  a  healthy  sore,  which  soon  heals.  If  the  entire 
wart  does  not  come  off  by  reason  of  one  application,  repeat. 

When  the  penis  is  wholly  covered  with  warts,  the  best  plan  is  to  have 
it  amputated,  as  the  warts  cannot  easily  be  removed  without  destroying 
as  much  of  it  as  it  would  be  necessary  to  remove  entirely  in  order  to  be 
rid  of  them. 

Xm.    Vermin. 

Causes — Vermin  are  both  a  cause  and  a  consequent  of  skin  disease  ; 
and  being  also  bred  in  the  hairy  covering,  perhaps  in  the  very  skin 
itself,  they  are  properly  treated  in  this  connection. 

Every  species  of  animal  is  more  or  less  troubled  with  his  own  peculiar 
insect  tormentor  ;  and  while  no  well-defined  cause  can  be  assigned  as  to 
their  origin,  they  are  almost  always  found  associated  with  filth  and 
squalor. 

They  sometimes,  however,  trouble  animals  of  fair  condition,  and  accus- 
tomed  to  reasonable  care  ;  but  in  this  case  they  are  caught  by  contact. 

Poor,  ill-cared-for,  mangy  horses,  colts  in  the  Spring  of  the  year,  with 
long,  uncurried  coats,  and  old  and  feeble  horses  with  like  rough  and 
shaggy  covering,  most  probably  breed  them  ;  and  on  these  they  are  most 
frequently  and  plentifully  found. 

The  itching  torment  to  which  they  subject  diseased  animals  doubtless 
intensifies  whatever  disorder  may  exist ;  and  the  very  earliest  opportunity 
should  be  taken  to  eradicate  them  from  the  sufferer. 

When  horses  stand  in  proximity  to  a  hen-house,  they  are  often 
seriously  annoyed  with  hen-lice,  which  are  even  more  tormenting  than 
those  peculiar  to  the  horse  himself. 

How  to  know  it. — The  horse  infested  with  vermin  will  usually  mani- 
fest his  uneasiness  by  biting  and  rubbing  himself ;  but  their  presence 
may  be  unmistakably  detected  by  a  more  or  less  careful  examination  of 
his  coat. 

What  to  do. — If  the  horse  is  suffering  from  some  skin  disease  requit- 
ing treatment,  the  means  adopted  for  this  will  almost  invariably  suflSce  of 
themselves  to  remove  the  vermin  ;  but  where  no  such  disease  exists,  and 
it  is  a  simple  case  of  lousiness,  anoint  him  with  the  following  salve : 


284  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

No.  21.  1  Dr.  carbolic  acid  crystals, 

1  Quart  fresh  lard. 

Rub  it  upon  every  part  of  the  body  thoroughly ;  wash  with  warm  soap 
auds  next  day  ;  repeat  if  necessary — at  last  washing  and  drying. 

Attention  to  his  general  health  will  also  be  demanded  ;  and  to  this  end 
he  should  be  upon  good  pasture,  or  a  liberal  supply  of  nourishing  but 
not  heating  food  should  be  given. 

If  it  is  a  case  of  hen-lice,  the  first  thing  to  be  done  is  to  remove  the 
horse  from  the  place  mfested  with  these,  and  then  to  anoint  and  wash 
as  before  directed. 

XIV.    Larva  in  the  Skin. 

Causes — The  larva,  which  infests  chiefly  the  back — ^that  part  of  the 
horse  upon  which  saddle  or  harness  must  press — is  not  only  a  source  of 
trouble  to  the  animal,  but  of  great  inconvenience  to  the  master,  as  the 
acute  painfulness  of  a  tumor  raised  by  one  of  these  grubs  often  pre- 
vents use. 

The  larva  is  the  offspring  of  a  fly  which  deposits  its  eggs  upon  the 
back  and  sides  of  the  horse  while  he  is  out  at  pasture  or  roaming  at  large 
upon  the  common.  This  fly  does  not  frequent  the  barn-yard  and  stable, 
so  that  horses  which  are  confined  to  these  when  not  in  use  are  never 
annoyed  with  the  larva. 

The  eggs  are  hatched  by  the  warmth  of  the  animal ;  and  the  creature 
burrows  into  the  skin,  where  it  remains  and  grows  till  Spring,  raising 
meanwhile,  by  its  irritating  presence,  a  small  lump,  which  is  eventually 
developed  into  a  painful  tumor,  upon  the  pus  of  which  the  insect  pro- 
longs a  life  that  it  began  upon  the  natural  juices  of  the  skin  and  cellu- 
lar tissue. 

How  to  know  it — The  most  unmistakable  sign  of  the  trouble,  when  it 
is  not  plainly  discesrnible  with  the  eye,  is  the  restlessness  manifested  by 
the  horse  when  subjected  to  the  saddle.  When  he  does  this,  and  no 
well-defined  occasion  for  his  displeasure  and  his  pranks  is  readily  per- 
ceptible, examination  will  reveal  a  tumor  or  abscess  if  the  larva  is  present ; 
for  the  horse  will  hardly  grow  restive  at  first,  when  there  is  a  mere  lump 
m  the  skin.  Upon  the  top  of  this  abscess  a  black  spot  will  be  found, 
which  is  the  point  of  entrance,  and  the  opening  through  which  the 
insect  obtains  the  little  air  that  it  needs. 

What  to  do. — The  best  thing  to  do,  because  both  quickest  and  safest, 
is  to  open  the  top  of  the  tumor  slightly  with  a  lancet,  and  then  to 
'vjueeze  out  the  larva.     The  wound  should  then  be  dressed  a  time  or  two 


THE  HORSE,  SKIN  DISEASES,  ETC.  285 

with  a  solution  of  one  grain  of  chloride  of  zinc  to  one  gill  of  water ;  and 
the  trouble  will  soon  be  over. 

XV.    Tetter. 

Causes. — This  seems  to  arise  from  some  constitutional  cause,  which  it 
is  difficult  to  point  out.  It  appears  on  horses  of  different  conditions  or 
habit  of  body.  On  some  it  breaks  out  periodically,  Summer  after 
Summer. 

It  is  not  contagious,  unless  neglected  until  it  assumes  the  epizootic  foiTxi, 
which  it  sometimes  does,  after  which  it  is  communicable  te  both  man 
and  horse. 

There  are  said  by  some  to  be  two  or  three  forms  of  tetter,  but  in 
reality  whatever  different  forms  it  may  assume,  when  not  complicated 
with  other  affections,  they  are  indications  of  (different  degrees  of  severity. 

How  to  know  it — The  attack  is  usuaHj^  sudden,  and  the  animal  is 
observed  to  rub  himself  severely,  as  suffering  from  intense  itchiness. 
The  neck,  shoulders,  back,  and  thighs  are  the  points  ordinarily  affected. 
Upon  examination,  the  skin  will  be  found  red  with  inflammation,  some- 
times torn  or  scratched  by  rubbing ;  and  the  blisters  or  pimples  will 
be  seen  on  those  parts  of  the  inflamed  spot  not  so  torn  or  scratched. 
These  blisters  break,  and  a  watery  fluid  is  discharged,  which  keeps  the 
surface  moist. 

In  its  more  advanced  stage  it  may  be  taken  for  mange  ;  but  it  may  be 
distinguished  from  mange  by  its  manifesting  less  tendency  to  spread  and 
invade  all  parts  of  the  skin ;  and  by  the  absence  of  parasites  under  the 
scabby  portions. 

What  to  do, — First,  see  that  the  horse's  bowels  are  put  in  good  condi" 
tion.  If  there  is  any  tendency  to  plethora,  (too  great  fulness),  to 
constipation,  or  general  feverishness,  give  him  a  purgative  dose  ;  and  in 
any  event  let  his  food  be  of  such  character  a?  to  prevent  costiveness. 

Give,  once  a  day,  an  ounce  of  Fowler's  solution  of  arsenic.  Eub  the 
affected  parts  well  with  sweet  oil,  and  let  it  ^remain  thereon  for  a  few 
hours ;  then  wash  with  warm  soapsuds  so  as  to  remove  the  scabs  or 
scales.  Then  cover  the  diseased  surface  and  some  portion  Tjf  the  healthy 
•kin  all  round  with  the  following  ointment : 

Ko.  22.  %  Lb.  flour  of  sulphur, 

yi.  Lb.  carbonate  of  potash* 

1  Oz.  carbolic  acid, 

2  Lbs.  lard, 

2  Lbs.  olive  oiL 


286  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

MLx  well  with  a  gentle  heat.  Allow  it  to  remain  on  the  skin  for  tw« 
or  three  days,  and  then  wash  off  with  strong  soap  and  water. 

Tar  ointment,  (equal  quantities  of  tar  and  lard  well  mixed  with  gentle 
heat),  is  an  excellent  external  application,  and  may  be  used  when  No.  22 
is  difficult  to  procure. 

XVI.    Bat  Tails. 

Causes. —  Simple  tetter,  as  also  mallenders  and  sallenders,  is  sometimes 
allowed  through  neglect  to  become  obstinate  ;  the  skin  thickens  ;  ugly 
cracks  are  formed,  from  which  flows  in  abundance  a  sort  of  purulent 
half-Avatery  fluid ;  upon  the  thickened  portion  of  the  skin  the  scabs 
increase,  growing  up  into  somewhat  perpendicular  layers,  and  the  hairs 
grooving  from  these  are  glued  together  by  the  exuding  matter.  Such 
bunches  of  matted  hair  are  called,  by  reason  of  their  appearance,  "rat 
tails." 

The  disease  seems  occasionally  to  be  produced  outright,  without  the 
supervention  of  an}^  other  known  disorder,  by  much  exposure  to  wet 
gi'ound  of  a  chalky  or  loamy  nature,  or  to  sticky  mud. 

How  to  know  it. — It  appears  chiefly  upon  the  legs,  one  or  all  of 
which  may  be  affected  at  the  same  time ;  but  the  hairs  of  the  tail, 
especially  near  the  root  of  the  tail,  are  often  found  in  the  condition 
described,  and  for  a  like  reason.  Tetter,  ringworm,  or  some  other  dis- 
order produces  itching ;  the  horse  rubs  the  part  till  it  becomes  raw ; 
matter  exudes  at  length,  and  the  hair  is  matted  in  bunches  along  the 
Mpper  portion  of  the  tail  bone,  as  shown  in  the  figure  exhibiting  external 
^nanifestations  of  disease. 

If  resulting  from  either  neglected  tetter,  no  matter  what  its  position, 
or  from  mallenders  and  sallenders,  it  is  accompanied  by  itchiness ;  but 
this  is  generally  less  severe  than  is  the  case  with  these  disorders  in  their 
simple  form.  When  the  disease  is  fully  developed,  the  appearance  of 
the  bunches  of  hair  upon  the  parts  is  a  sufficient  indication. 

What  to  do — As  in  simple  tetter,  attention  must  be  directed  to  estab- 
lishino;  a  good  condition  of  the  bowels  ;  and  to  this  end  a  purgative  may 
be  given — especially  if  there  is  any  indication  of  constipation  and 
general  feverishness.  The  food  must  be  regulated  by  the  necessity  of 
keeping  down  all  inflammatory  symptoms.  Make  a  tonic  powder  aa 
'ollows : 

No.  23.  12  Oz.  sulphur, 

1  Dr.  arsenic, 
1  Oz.  bruised  coriander  seed. 

Divide  into  twelve  parts  and  give  one  in  the  food  night  and  morning. 


THE   HORSE,    SKIN    DISEASES,    ETC.  287 

Dress  the  sores  three  times  a  day  with  the  following  lotion,  applying 
with  a  soft  rag  ; 

Ho.  24.  1  Fluid  oz.  laudanum, 

1  Fluid  oz,  glycerine, 
H  Oz.  carbonate  of  soda, 
1  Quart  water. 

XVII.    Mallenders  and  Sallenders. 

Causes. — By  these  terms  are  denoted  oozy,  scurfy  patches  upon  the 
knee  and  hock — those  which  appear  back  of  the  knee  being  called  (for 
what  reason  nobody  seems  to  know)  mallenders  ;  and  those  which  appear 
in  front  of  the  hock,  sallenders.  They  spring  from  idleness  and  neglect 
— an  impure  state  of  the  blood  having  been  brought  on  by  heating  and 
unsuitable  diet,  and  disorders  of  the  bowels,  liver,  or  kidneys. 

Though  of  no  serious  importance  as  diseases,  they  are  unsightl}',  and, 
if  neglected,  they  result  in  troublesome  sores. 

How  to  know  it. — They  first  begin  as  a  moist  tetter,  apt  to  escape 
observation  until  they  appear  in  a  roughened  state  of  hair  about  the 
parts  mentioned,  under  which  the  skin  is  scurfy,  feverish  and  somewhat 
tender.  Itching  of  such  severity  sometimes  attends  them  as  to  render 
the  horse  restive  and  hard  to  keep  under  restraint. 

What  to  do — In  the  first  place  attend  to  the  cleanliness  of  the  horse 
and  put  him  upon  a  regular  course  of  moderate  exercise.  Give  him 
twice  daily,  night  and  morning,  a  pint  of  the  excellent  alterative  and 
tonic  drink : 

No.  25.  1  Fluid  oz.  liquor  arsenicalis, 

l}i  Oz.  tincture  muriate  of  iron, 

1  Qt.  water. 

Rub  the  parts  affected  two  or  three  times  a  day  with  an  ointment  mado 
Us  follows  : 

No.  26.  1  Oz.  animal  glycerine, 

2  Drs.  mercurial  ointment, 
2  Drs.  powdered  ointment, 
1  Oz.  spermacetti. 

If  the  scurfy  places  have  developed  into  suppurating  sores,  use,  instead 
of  the  ointment,  the  following  lotion,  saturating  them  well  twice  a  day 

No.  27.  ,  >a  Pint  animal  glycerine, 

}i  Oz.  chloride  of  zinc, 
6  Quarts  water. 

Be  careful  that  his  food  is  such  as  to  keep  him  from  constipation  and 
fever. 


^S-'^ 


ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 


XVm.    Poll-evil. 

Causes Poll-evil  is  the  name  given  to  a  deep  abscess   having  its  seai 

of  primary  inflammation  between  the  ligament  of  the  neck  and  the  first 
l)one  which  lies  beneath  without  being  attached  to  it ;  and  it  is  serioua 
in  its  nature  by  reason  of  this  depth  and  of  the  difficulty  with  which  the 
matter  formed  finds  its  way  to  the  surface  through  the  strong  fibrous 
membrane  that  envelopes  it.  If  not  attended  to  in  its  early  stages,  the 
surface  of  the  first  bone  from  the  head,  or  that  of  the  joint  between  the 
first  two  bones,  becomes  inflamed,  and  the  joint  or  joints  involved. 

The  disease  may  be  said  to  owe  its  origin  almost  wholly  to  violence  of 
some  kind.  A  blow  upon  the  poll  by  a  brutal  driver  may  very  readily 
produce  it ;  and  much  slighter  causes,  often  repeated,  result  in  thi.* 
affection  ;  as,  the  forcing  on  of  a  tight  collar  day  after  day ;  hanging 
back  and  so  bruising  the  poll  "with  bridle  or  halter  ;  and  excessive  rubbing 
of  that  part  because  of  itch  produced  by  dirt  accumulated  about  the  ears 
and  upper  point  of  the  neck  and  not  carried  away  by  brush  or  currycomb. 
Striking  the  head  against  low  ceilings  and  the  beams  of  low  doorways  is 
doubtless  responsible  for  very  many  cases  of  this  dangerous  and  disa- 
gi'eeable  disorder. 

How  to  know  it — A  certain  restlessness,  a  throwing  back  of  the  head 
and  then  returning ;  again,  a  drooping  tendency,  turning  the  head  from 
one  side  to  the  other  ;  a  dull  appearance  about  the  eyes  ;  a  sluggishness 
of  movement — all  these  are  sometimes  observed  before  any  symptoms 
of  the  disease  may  be  discovered  about  the  head. 

Sometimes  no  notice  is  taken  of  its  existence  until  considerable  swelling 
and  even  an  unwholesome  discharge  have  set  in  ;  but  more  frequently  an 
oval  tumor  is  discovered, — hot,  tender,  situated  directly  in  the  region  of 
the  nape  of  the  neck,  but  generatly  inclining  to  one  side.  In  the  milder 
form  this  tumor  is  evidently  supei-ficial ;  and  the  horse  moves  his  head 
with  comparative  ease  and  freedom  ;  whereas,  in  the  more  advanced  stage 
he  carries  it  stitfly,  and  every  movement  of  it  or  the  neck  causes  great  pain. 

Sometimes  the  disorder  is  so  deeply- 
seated  that  the  tumor  is  not  developed 
sufficiently  to  make  much  outward  show. 
It  is  much  likelier  to  discover  itself  plainly 
as  a  well-developed  swelling  w^hen  tho 
hurt  is  superficial.  In  any  case,  it  must 
be  examined  ^nth  the  fingers  to  deter- 
mine this  point.  Place  the  fingers  gently 
upon  it,  and  give  the  animal  time  to  re- 
cover from  the  little  scare  into  which  this 
touching    of  a   sore   at   first  gives  him ; 


POLL-KTIL  DUBINO  THX  FIRST  STAGK. 


THE  HORSE,  SKIN   DISEASES,  ETC.  2S9 

then  gradually  press  upon  the  part. 
If  the  hurt  is  near  the  surface,  he  will 
flinch  quickly ;  if  deeply  seated,  he 
will  be  correspondingly  slow  in  show- 
ing evidences  of  pain.  If  suppura- 
tion has  already  set  in,  it  can  readily 
he  knoAvn  when  near  the  surface  by  a 
«ort    of  fluctuating   feeling ;    but  this 

fluctuation  can  scarcely  be  felt  at  all  poll-kvil  in  its  skcond  stagk. 

if  the  matter  is  deep  seated. 

What  to  do. — If  discovered  when  there  is  nothing  more  than  a  swelKng, 
no  matter  having  yet  been  found,  remove  all  tendency  to  general  fever- 
ishness  by  giving  purgative  medicine  according  to  evident  fullness  of 
<?ondition  ;  allow  the  horse  to  rest ;  and  put  him  on  moderately  light 
diet.  Then  make  the  following  cooling  lotion,  and  keep  the  swelling 
constantly  moistened  with  it  by  having  a  small  rag  pad  laid  over  it  and 
saturated  with  the  mixture  from  time  to  time : 

No.  28.  2  Oz.  tincture  of  arnica, 

1  Dr.  iodide  of  potassium, 
1  Qt.  vinegar, 
1  Qt.  camomile  infusion. 

If  this  does  not  reduce  the  inflammation  and  remove  the  swelling 
within  a  few  days,  it  may  be  inferred  that  matter  is  already  forming, 
though  it  may  have  been  impossible  at  first  to  detect  it-;  and  you  must 
bring  it  to  a  head  as  soon  as  practicable  by  poulticing.  Use  for  this  pur- 
pose a  mixture  of  ground  flax  seed,  corn  meal,  oil  of  turpentine,  and 
hog's  lard.  As  soon  as  matter  can  be  felt,  have  ready  a  laige  and  very 
sharp  knife  ;  cast  the  animal,  and  have  some  one  to  sit  upon  his  neck  to 
prevent  struggling ;  then  open  with  a  quick,  steady,  and  strong  sweep  of 
the  blade  through  the  tumor — being  careful  to  have  the  wound  open  at 
the  lower  point  of  the  tumor,  so  as  to  provide  for  more  easily  draining  it 
of  matter  that  may  hereafter  form.  Be  careful,  too,  not  to  cut  the 
tendinous  ligament  that  runs  along  the  neck  under  the  mane.  If  the 
matter  appears  to  be  on  both  sides,  open  the  places  separately,  so  as  to 
leave  this  liofament  undi^dded.  It  may,  if  absolutely  necessary,  be 
severed  between  the  second  bone  and  the  head,  and  the  support  of  the 
head  be  not  materially  weakened,  since  the  main  stress  is  on  the  second 
bone,  and  the  divided  ligament,  if  healthy,  will  soon  heal  again ;  but  it 
is  best  to  avoid  all  risks  ;  and  if  at  all  convenient,  the  aid  of  an  exper- 
ienced veterinary  surgeon  should  be  had  when  it  becomes  necessary  to 
use  the  knife. 


290  ILLUSTRATED   STOCK   DOCTOR. 

The  wound  must  now  be  cleansed  by  being  syringed  daily  with  a  stim- 
ulating wash,  (1-2  dr.  chloride  of  zinc  in  1  quart  of  water),  until  a 
healthy  discharge  sets  in,  and  evidences  of  healing  begin  to  manifest 
themselves.  Nothing  further  will  then  be  necessary  than  to  keep  the 
parts  clean  by  daily  sponging  with  warm  soapsuds. 

It  sometimes  occurs  that  before  r^edial  measures  are  resorted  to,  not 
alone  the  fleshy,  but  the  tendinous,  ligamentary,  and  bony  structures 
have  become  involved,  and  the  disease  has  assumed  a  desperate  char- 
acter. If  further  neglected,  the  spinal  cord  is  likely  to  become  diseased, 
and  the  case  hopeless.  If,  upon  opening  a  tumor,  the  matter  is  found  to 
flow  in  great  quantities,  resembling  melted  glue,  with  something  of  an 
oQy  consistence,  it  may  be  known  that  the  disease  is  deep-seated  and 
dangerous  ;  and  the  probe  should  be  employed  to  find  whatever  ca^^ties 
may  exist.  If  any  are  found,  the  knife  should  again  be  emploj'^ed,  and 
another  cut  made,  smooth  dow;n,  and  in  the  same  direction  as  the  first,  to 
prevent  all  rough  and  hacked  walls,  till  the  lowest  depths  are  reached. 
Then  cleanse  the  wounds  with  warm  soapsuds,  using  a  good  gum  com- 
press s3Tinge  ;  and  dress  with  a  mixture  of  spirits  of  turpentine,  honey, 
and  tincture  of  myrrh.  When  a  thick,  light-colored  matter  begins  to 
appear,  the  dressing  must  be  discontinued,  and  the  parts  must  be  kept 
clean,  as  previously  directed,  by  sponging  with  warm  soapsuds. 

It  is  sometimes  necessary  to  cut  away  loose  pieces  of  ligament  till  a 
healthy  aspect  is  presented  on  the  walls  and  in  the  dejjths  of  the  incision. 

In  the  more  desperate  cases,  numerous  openings  are  formed,  and  these 
discharge  a  matter  resembling  the  white  of  an  egg,  which  adheres  to  the 
surrounding  parts,  and  gives  to  the  animal  a  most  repulsive  appearance. 
In  this  case  the  knife  should  be  used  so  as  to  take  in  at  one  sweep  the 
greatest  number  of  openings,  and  then  the  other  openings  should  be  con- 
nected by  cuts  with  this  main  channel ;  after  which  the  wound  should  be 
cleansed  as  previously  directed,  and  dressed  with  the  mixture  prescribed 
— spirits  of  turpentine,  honey,  and  tincture  of  myrrh. 

After  matter  has  formed,  the  knife  is  the  only  sure  means  of  saving 
the  horse ;  and,  in  the  hands  of  the  skillful  man,  it  is  a  merciful 
means.  The  operation  is  brief ;  and  the  relief  is  more  speedy  than  can 
otherwise  be  obtained.  Let  no  one  attempt  it,  however,  who  cannot 
operate  as  though  for  the  moment  divested  of  feeling,  as  there  must  be 
no  hesitation,  no  awkwardness  as  to  direction,  no  notching  and  hacking. 

A  horse  that  has  once  had  the  poll-evil  should  never  afterward  have  a 
collar  thrust  over  his  head,  or  be  hauled  around  with  a  halter  or  any 
other  head-gear  pressing  upon  the  part.  The  poll  wall  long  remain  ten- 
'<er,  and  a  return  of  the  disorder  is  likely. 

If  it  is  necessary  to  treat  during  Summer,  when  the  horse  is  apt  to  bo 


THE    HORSE,  SKIN    DISEASES,     ETC.  291 

annoyed  with  flies,  keep  the  wound  covered  with  a  rag  moistened  in  x 
solution  of  tar. 

XIX.    Fisttda. 

Causes. — This  is  sometimes  known  as  fistulous  withers ^  to  distinguish 
it  from  fistula  of  the  parotid  duct.  It  is  similar  to  poll-evil  and  is  gen- 
erally caused  in  like  manner,  by  bi^ises.  In  the  case  of  fistula,  these 
bruises  may  be  caused  by  an  ill-fitting  collar ;  by  a  lady's  saddle,  partic- 
ularly if  awkwardly  ridden;  by  the  pressing  forward  of  a  man's  saddle, 
especially  in  case  of  high  withers ;  by  striking  the  withers  against  the 
top  of  a  loAV  door-wa}^ ;  by  rolling  and  striking  the  withers  against  soni*» 
hard  substance ;  by  the  biting  of  other  horses  ;  and  by  a  blow  of  the 
blacksmith's  hammer.  The  points  of  the  spinal  processes,  (little  pro- 
jections of  the  spine  or  back  bone,)  are  hurt,  inflammation  sets  in,  and 
the  fistulous  tumor  is  produced.  Its  site  is  the  spine  above  the  shoulders  ; 
and  it  is  more  troublesome  than  poll-evil,  because  it  is  more  exposed  to 
repeated  injuries. 

How  to  know  it — The  first  indication  will  be  a  swelling  on  one  or 
both  sides  of  the  withers,  generally  rather  broad  and  flat.  Upon  exam- 
ination with  the  fingers  this  will  be  found  hot,  tender,  and  apparently 
deep  seated.  If  observed  when  first  formed,  it  will  be  of  unifori? 
hardness  throughout.  If  unattended  to  while  in  this  state,  the  tumor 
soon  becomes  an  abscess  ;  and  owing  to  the  difficulty  in  the  way  of  the 
matter's  escaping,  (its  natural  outlet  being  at  the  top  of  the  shoulders), 
the  pus  sinks  downward ;  and  the  abscess  sometimes  becomes  enormous 
before  there  is  any  well  defined  head,  and  before  there  is  any  opening. 
When  it  breaks,  or  is  opened,  a  large  quantity  of  extremely  offensive 
matter  flows  out.  Ordinarily,  the  tumor  will  come  to  a  head  in  from  one 
to  two  weeks.  When  the  discharge  has  begun,  the  tumor  does  not  begin 
to  grow  healthy  and  heal,  but  the  walls  of  the  opening  thicken,  and 
continue  to  discharge  matter  which  becomes  more  and  more  offensive. 
The  matter  burrows  between  the  shoulder  blade  and  spinal  points,  and 
everything  around  seems  to  be  rotting  away ;  and  it  is  both  difficult  and 
dangerous  to  trace  the  opening.  In  process  of  time  several  holes  will 
•ppear  along  the  course  of  the  muscles  in  contact  with  the  original  abscess, 
and  from  each  issues  a  foul  discharge,  till  the  ulcerating  process  seems 
to  extend  itself  to  nearly  all  the  muscles  of  the  shoulder. 

The  health  of  the  animal  may  at  first  be  excellent,  and  there  may  be 

no  lameness ;  but  as  the  inflammation  extends,  there  is  lameness  of  the 

shoulder,  and   he    suffers  generally — often   greatly.     He   is   averse  \<\ 

motion,  and  will  suffer  for  food  and  drink  rather  than  undergo  the  pai« 

19 


292 


ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 


-AlilCRT  BNLAROEMKNT  WHICH  MAY  END 

IN  FiBTULODS  Withers. 


of   tiyiiig  to  reach  and  partake  of   it.     In  its  worst  stages  the  bones 
extending  hito  the   sinus   decay. 

What  to  do — Be  careful  to  ascertain,  in  tho 
first  place,  whether  the  tumor  has  newlj 
risen.  The  matter  may  form  in  one,  evea 
while  it  is  quite  small ;  and  it  is  important 
to  know  when  the  knife  may  be  used  to 
advantage. 

If  matter  has  already  formed,  it  can  be 
detected  by  the  somewhat  soft  and  fluctua4:- 
ing  feeUng  of  the  abscess. 

If  discovered  while  still  a  new  formation, 
take  the  horse  from  work,  if  possible ;  if 
not,  take  especial  pains  to  protect  the  in- 
jured point  or  points  from  pressure. 
A  bruise  at  that  point  of  the  with- 
ers where  the  collar  rests  will  not 
unfit  a  horse  for  the  saddle,  unless 
considerable  inflammation  and  ex- 
tending soreness  has  already  set  in  ; 
nor  will  a  saddle  bruise,  farther 
back  on  the  withers,  necessarily  un- 

FMTDL0D9  Withers— Worst  Stage.  ^^  him  for   haniCSS. 

A  recent  swelling  should  be  im- 
mediately treated  with  fomentations  of  bitter  herbs. 

Boil  wormwood,  or  mullen  stalks,  or  life-everlasting  in  soft  water,  to 
make  a  strong  decoction  ;  and  apply  it  with  large  woolen  cloths,  as  hot 
as  can  be  borne,  to  hasten  the  formation  of  matter.  When  the  tumor 
begins  to  soften  and  show  signs  of  heading,  have  a  suitable,  fine-pointed, 
sharp  knife.  Ascertain  the  lowest  point  of  the  abscess.  Then  stand 
close  to  his  side,  near  the  middle,  to  avoid  both  hind  and  fore  feet  in 
case  of  kicking  or  striking,  with  the  back  of  the  knife  to  the  shoulder ; 
point  upward  and  outward,  stick  at  the  lower  edge,  and  cut  open  with  a 
free  incision.  Next,  syringe  the  abscess  till  it  is  as  thoroughly  cleansed 
fts  possible  with  a  solution  of  carbolic  acid  and  water,  one  part  acid  to 
two  of  Avater.  Then  dress  with  coal  oil,  or  some  convenient  salve. 
After  two  or  three  days,  the  wound  should  be  thoroughly  cleansed  by 
«3rringing  with  warm  soap  suds  ;  then  use  the  carbolic  acid  water,  and 
repeat  the  oil  or  salve  dressing ;  and  so  on  till  a  cure  is  effected. 

The  patient  must  in  no  case  be  turned  to  pasture,  since  the  constant 
motion  of  the  neck  and  jaws  necessary  to  procuring  and  masticating  his 
'ood  aggi-avates   every  symptom.     Stable  him   comfortably,   and   feed 


THE  HORSE,  SKIN  DISEASES,  ETC.  293 

according  to  his  general  condition.  Let  him  have  water  freely ;  and  give 
opportunity  each  day  for  some  exercise  by  allowing  him  the  rmi  of  a 
small  inclosure. 

When  the  case  has  become  chronic,  and  holes  in  considerable  number 
have  appeared,  make  a  cut  so  as  to  reach  the  bones,  and  to  include  in  iti 
course  as  many  holes  as  practicable.  If  there  are  other  openings,  (par- 
ticularly below),  cut  from  them  into  the  main  incision.  Have  an  assistant 
to  press  back  the  sides  of  the  greater  opening  till  the  matter  is  cleared 
out ;  and  if  the  spinous  processes  or  points  are  found  to  be  carious  or 
rotten,  nip  off  with  a  pair  of  bone  forceps  till  the  healthy  bone  is 
reached.  If  any  ©f  this  decaying  bone  is  left,  the  wound  will  inevitably 
matter  and  break  again,  though  it  may  for  a  time  appear  to  have  healed. 

After  thus  cleaning  out  the  bulk  of  the  matter  and  picking  away  the 
dead  bone,  use  the  syringe  and  warm  soap-suds  still  further  to  clean  the 
parts ;  then  inject  the  carbolic  solution  as  previously  directed.  But 
instead  of  coal  oil,  use  this  ointment  ouce  a  day ; 

No.  29.  yi  Oz.  verdigris, 

^  Oz.  copperas, 
1  Oz.  oil  of  turpentine, 
4  Oz.  yellow  rosin. 

The  copperas  and  rosin  must  be  finely  powdered — ^then  mix  all  together 
thoroughly.  When  a  kind  of  thick  whitish  discharge  is  observed  to  hava 
set  in,  discontinue  the  ointment ;  but  still  wash  or  sjTinge  thoroughly,  at 
intervals,  mth  warm  soap-suds.  To  keep  away  flies,  cover  the  wound, 
after  each  dressing,  with  a  large  cloth  saturated  with  diluted  tar. 

Should  the  horse  grow  feverish  from  the  effects  of  blood  poisoning, 
which  takes  place  in  a  greater  or  less  degree  in  this  chronic  stage  by 
reason  of  absorption,  bleed  him  once,  at  least,  taking  from  the  neck  vein 
from  three  to  six  quarts,  according  to  general  condition  and  severity  of 
the  inflammation. 

When  the  disease  has  proceeded  to  the  length  of  requiring  this  severe 
treatment,  the  recovery  is  necessarily  slow,  and  the  horse  is  inevitably 
disfigured. 

In  verv  desperate  cases  it  is  sometimes  best,  or,  indeed,  almost  indis- 
pensable, to  use  the  rowel.  The  pipes,  (or  sinuses  as  they  are  sometimoi 
called),  the  openings  whence  the  matter  exudes,  take  a  dangerous  direc- 
tion, and  tend  from  the  withers  to  the  chest.  Use  an  elastic  probe,  to 
ascertain  the  direction  and  the  depth  ;  and  if  it  is  found  that  cutting  will 
not  answer,  use  the  guarded  seton  or  rowel  needle  described  in  the  chap- 
ter on  medicines,  ointments,  etc.  Insert  it  as  far  as  it  will  go,  then  give 
it  a  firm  rap  on  the  handle,  so  as  to  force  out  the  cutting  edge  and  driv« 
the  point  through  the  flesh.     Knot  one  end  of  a  long,  slender  tape. 


294  ILLUSTRATED   STOCK   DOCTOR. 

place  the  other  through  the  opening  near  the  point  of  the  needle  an,i 
draw  it  through.  Then  tie  a  knot  at  the  other  end,  and  leave  it.  In 
this  way,  the  sinus  will  have  an  opening  below,  and  the  tape  will  act  as  » 
drain,  while  tending  also  by  friction  to  remove  the  hard  lining  of  tbe 
pipe.  As  soon  as  a  healthy  looking  matter  is  seen  to  be  issuing  from 
the  lower  orifice,  remove  the  seton,  but  cleanse  occasionally  with  warm 
9oap  and  water. 


CHAPTER     m. 


DISEASES  OF  THE   GLANDS  AND  NASAL  UEMBBANBB. 


f .     «I>AMI>KS8. n.        TAKCT. 111.      DISTEMPER. IV.     NASAL  GLEET.  — —  V.     KASAft 

POLYPUS. 

I.    Glanders. 

Causes. — This  seems  to  be  primarily  a  disease  of  the  lymphatic  and 
nasal  glands,  and  conlSned  to  them  ;  but  upon  this  point  authorities  dis- 
agree, and  it  is  contended  by  some  that  all  the  air  passages  are  always 
affected— that  it  is  a  kind  of  phthisic,  or  incipient  pulmonary  disorder — 
and  that  whether  the  ulcers  appear  on  the  membrane  of  the  nose  prior  or 
subsequent  to  the  formation  of  tubercles  in  the  lungs  does  not  invalidate 
the  proposition  that  the  earliest  external  manifestations  are  but  the 
effects  of  pulmonary  derangement.  The  most  tenable  conclusion,  how- 
ever, is  plainly  this :  that  inflammation  of  the  membrane  of  the  nose, 
and  confined  to  that  membrane,  at  last  results  in  ulceration ;  that  the 
matter  discharged  from  these  i«  poisonous,  and  acts  upon  the  glands  by 
means  of  the  absorbents  with  which  it  comes  in  contact,  and  is  also 
inhaled  into  the  lungs  with  the  air  as  it  passes  through  the  nasal  cavities, 
till  at  length  both  the  circulatory  and  the  respiratory  systems  are  gen- 
erally diseased. 

Whence  this  poison  is  derived  is  not  at  all  clearly  defined.  The  diseas« 
is  both  spontaneous,  (bred  in  the  horse),  and  contagious  ;  but  it  is  doubts 
less  due  far  more  frequently  to  predisposing  cause  than  to  contagion.  It; 
IS  found  as  a  prevalent  disease  where  neglect,  filth,  and  foul  atmosphere 
exist ;  and  we  may  reasonably  conclude  that  poisonous  inhalations,  acting 
upon  the  delicate  and  easily  irritated  membrane  of  the  nose,  produce 
that  incipient  ulceration  from  which  the  subsequent  general  poisoning 
proceeds.  In  close  stalls,  the  carbonic  acid  given  off  from  the  lungs, 
(which  gas  is  of  a  deadly  poisonous  character),  passes  again  and  again 

295 


f99  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

into  the  lungs,  mixed  with  other  impurities  of  the  stall  itself  ;  this,  actmg 
perhaps  more  readily  upon  the  nasal  membrane  than  upon  the  other 
linings  of  the  air  passages,  produces  inflammation.  This  inflanmiation 
may  long  exist,  and  unsuspected  by  the  ordinary  observer,  till  some 
intense  action  is  set  up,  when  ulceration  takes  place. 

Or  it  may  be  produced  by  an3i:hing  that  injures  and  weakens  the  vital 
energy  of  this  membrane  ;  as  violent  catarrh,  accompanied  by  long  con- 
tinued discharge  from  the  nostrils  ;  a  fracture  of  the  bones  of  the  nose  ; 
«nd  the  too  frequent  injection  of  stimulating  and  acid  substances  up  the 
nostrils.  Ever3^thing  that  weakens  the  constitution,  may,  under  peculiar 
circumstances,  produce  glanders.  Among  the  hurtful  influences  that 
may  operate  to  this  end  we  may  enumerate  :  hardships  and  an  exhausted 
constitution  ;  any  interference  with  the  due  elimination  or  throwing  off 
of  morbid  and  waste  matter  from  the  system  ;  want  of  regular  exercise  ; 
isudden  and  violent  exercise  when  the  horse  has  not  been  previously  pre- 
pared for  it ;  placing  a  weak  and  worn-out  horse  upon  a  course  of  diet 
that  is  too  nutritious  and  stimulating ;  and  hereditary  predisposition  to 
certain  forms  of  disease. 

One  point  is  deserving  of  special  mention :  it  is  sometimes  present  and 
contagious  in  animals  apparently  in  fine  bodily  condition ;  other  horses 
may  contract  the  disease  from  such  a  one  and  die  of  it  while  it  is  stiU 
difficult  to  discover  unmistakable  traces  of  it  in  the  first.  There  may  be 
inflammation,  and  minute  ulcers  so  far  up  the  nasal  passages  as  not  to  be 
seen  ;  these  little  hidden  ulcers  may  discharge  so  small  a  quantity  of  mat- 
ter as  to  escape  notice,  and  yet  the  matter  is  so  poisonous  that  when  it 
ectmes  in  contact  Avith  any  thin  and  delicate  membrane,  by  which  it  may 
b<5  absorbed,  it  will  produce  glanders.  Weeks,  and  even  months,  may 
intervene  between  the  first  existence  of  inflamed  membrane  and  the 
development  of  the  disease.  In  this  case  there  nia}^  be  counteracting 
tendencies,  requiring  some  violent  action  or  sudden  change  to  determine 
the  issue. 

It  must  be  observed  that  its  infectious  nature  is  not  general,  but  par- 
ticular—  depending  upon  inoculation  with  the  matter  exuded  from 
glanderous  ulcers,  or  at  least  from  poison  received  in  some  way  from  th© 
Ijlandered  animal  and  communicated  directly  to  a  wound  or  to  some  del- 
icate membrane  of  another  horse,  an  ass,  or  a  human  being. 

How  to  know  it. — As  may  be  inferred  from  the  preceding,  it  is  not 
always  easy  to  detect  the  actual  presence  of  this  disease,  though  it  is 
often  a  matter  of  paramount  importance  that  it  should  be  known.  Its 
dangerous  character  as  an  infectious  disorder  makes  it  essential  that  it 
•hould  be  known  in  its  very  earliest  stages,  that  the  proper  precautions 
may  be  taken  to  prevent  the  infection  from  spreading. 


THE    HORSE,    DISEASES    OF  THE  NASAL  GLANDS,    ETC.  29T 

There  are  some  symptoms  that  may  be  observed,  even  before  th« 
appearance  of  any  discharge  whatever ;  and  these  may  be  described, 
though  they  may  sometimes  prove  faUacious,  and  are  found  to  be  but 
extraordinary  indications  of  some  other  disease. 

The  first  signs  are  those  of  heaviness,  dulhiess,  followed  by  fever ;  the 
eyes  are  red  and  unhealthy  looking,  while  the  light  is  seemingly  painful  to 
them.  The  hair  is  one  day  dry,  the  next,  perhaps,  it  resumes  its  natural 
appearance,  and  so  alternating  until  after  awhile  it  becomes  staring  and 
unnatural.  The  flesh  wastes  away  rapidly  for  a  time  ;  then,  and  particu- 
larly if  a  change  of  food  is  introduced,  showing  some  improvement,  and 
so  alternating  till  at  length  he  begins  to  show  signs  of  permanently 
failing  health  and  of  a  general  debility. 

These  may  be  regarded  as  for  the  most  part  premonitory  signs,  and  up 
to  this  time  there  may  be  no  appearance  of  tumors  and  no  discharge 
from  the  nostrils  ;  but  the  animal  should  be  subjected  to  the  most  rigid 
scrutiny,  to  discover  whether  there  is  anything  to  confirm  the  impression 
made  by  the  symptoms  enumerated  as  to  the  probable  existence  of  glan- 
dered  condition. 

After  these  manifestations  there  may  be  said  to  be  three  stages  of  the 
disease,  the  jDeculiarities  of  each  of  which,  in  so  far  as  they  are  distinctly 
defined,  are  generally  as  follows :  In  the  first  stage  the  discharge  so 
much  resembles  that  which  attends  some  other  nasal  affection  as  some- 
times to  pass  unnoticed,  but  examination  will  disclose  a  curious  fact 
which  has  not  been  accounted  for, — it  will  be  found  confined  to  one 
nostril,  and  that,  in  the  vast  majority  of  cases,  the  left.  Occasionally  it 
is  the  right,  very  seldom  both.  This,  however,  must  not  be  regarded  as 
a  peculiarity  of  the  first  only,  as  it  is  common  to  every  stage  of  the 
disease. 

The  second  stage  is  characterized  by  an  increased  flow,  and  it  also 
becomes  more  mucous  and  sticky,  while  its  color  changes  from  an  almost 
transparent  clearness  to  a  whitish  or  3^ellowish  tinge.  It  often  begins 
now  to  drip  from  the  nose  in  stringy  clots.  Some  of  the  matter  in  this 
stage,  now  more  actively  poisonous,  being  taken  up  by  the  absorbent.*, 
affects  the  neighboring  glands.  If  both  nostrils  are  discharging,  the 
glands  within  the  under  jaw  will  be  enlarged  on  both  sides  ;  if  from  on« 
nostril,  only  the  gland  on  that  side.  As  other  diseases  will  produce 
these  swelled  glands,  as  catarrh,  for  instance,  it  becomes  necessary  to 
look  for  some  peculiarity  in  order  to  determine  certainly  as  to  the  exist- 
ence of  glanders.  At  first  the  enlargement  may  be  spread  over  so  mucr^ 
Burface  as  not  to  make  any  distinctly  marked  lumps ;  but  this  soon 
changes,  and  one  or  two  small  swellings  remain,  and  these  are  not  in  the 
center  of  the  channel,  but  adhere  close  to  the  jaw  on  the  affected  side. 


2flS'  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 

This  may  be  regarded  as  an  almost  conclusive  test.  The  membrane  ot 
the  nose  will  now  be  found  of  either  a  dark  purplish  hue  or  a  leaden 
color  —  the  latter,  unless  there  is  some  of  the  redness  of  inflammation; 
and  ulcers  will  probably  appear  upon  the  membrane,  usually  approaching 
to  a  circular  form,  and  deep,  with  abrupt  and  prominent  edges.  When 
these  appear  there  can  be  no  further  doubt,  but  care  must  be  taken  tc 
know  that  they  are  not  spots  of  mucous.  To  this  end,  try  whether  they 
may  be  brushed  away.  Notice  particularly,  too,  that  the  orifice  of  the 
duct  which  connects  with  the  tear  glands  is  just  within  the  nostril,  and 
on  the  inner  side  of  it ;  otherwise,  this,  if  foul,  may  be  mistaken  for  an 
ulcer.  This  orifice  may  be  readily  distinguished  from  an  ulcer  by 
observing  that  it  is  on  the  continuation  of  the  common  skin,  while  the 
glanderous  ulcers  are  on  the  membrane  of  the  nose. 

When  these  ulcers  begin  to  be  visible,  the  general  condition  of  the 
animal  soon  shows  signs  of  change ;  his  coat  seems  dead  and  staring,  the 
hair  coming  off  easily  ;  his  appetite  is  impaired  ;  he  loses  flesh  ;  his  belly 
contracts  ;  he  grows  more  and  more  debilitated ;  there  is  more  or  less 
cough  ;  the  discharge  increases  in  quantity,  and  its  increased  poisonous 
character  causes  it  to  remove  the  hair  where  it  flows,  while  it  seems 
tinged  with  blood,  and  is  offensive  to  the  smell. 

In  the  third  stage  the  ulcers  have  become  larger  and  more  numerous ; 
And  upon  placing  the  ear  to  the  horse's  chest,  a  grating,  choking  noise 
will  be  heard  at  every  act  of  breathing.  The  air  passages  being  obstructed, 
every  breath  is  drawn  with  difficulty.  The  skin  of  the  forehead  will  be 
found  somewhat  thickened,  swelled,  and  peculiarly  tender  ;  the  membrane 
lining  the  frontal  openings  of  the  nose  will  be  not  only  ulcerated  but 
evidently  inflamed  ;  the  discharges  are  increased  and  become  more  sticky 
and  of  darker  color,  though  still  somewhat  flecked  with  blood.  The 
absorbents  become  more  and  more  involved  ;  it  seems  now  that  general 
ulceration  has  set  in  •  and  the  additional  symptoms  are  henceforth  those 
of  farcy. 

To  i)revent  its  being  mistaken  in  its  earlier  stages  for  strangles,  which 
is  sometimes  done,  the  following  directions  will  suffice : 

Strangles  is  peculiar  to  young  horses,  and  at  the  outset  resembles  cold 
with  some  fever  and  sore  throat,  accompanied  generally  by  distressing 
cough  and  some  wheezing.  The  enlargement  which  sometimes  appear* 
beneath  the  jaw  in  strangles  is  not  a  single  small  gland,  but  a  swelling 
of  the  whole  substance  between  the  jaws,  growing  harder  toward  the 
center,  and  at  length,  if  the  disease  runs  on,  breaking.  In  strangles  th« 
membranes  of  the  nose  will  be  very  red,  and  the  discharge  from  the 
ttostrils  profuse  and  mattery  almost  from  the  first.  When  the  tumor  has 
^UJ'st,  the  fever  will  abate  and  the  horse  will  speedily  get  well. 


THE  HOESE,  DISEASES  OF  THE  NASAL  GLANDS,  ETC.  29S 

To  distinguish  it  from  catarrh,  for  which  also  it  is  sometimes  mistaken, 
observe  that  feVer,  loss  of  appetite,  coughing,  and  sore  throat  all 
accompany  catarrh,  whereas  these  symptoms  are  rarely  if  ever  found 
together  in  glanders.  In  catarrh,  the  horse  quids  his  food,  (drops  it 
from  his  mouth  partially  chewed),  and  gulps  his  water.  The  discharge 
f I  om  the^  nose  is  profuse  and  sometimes  mattery ;  the  glands  under  th© 
jaiv,  if  swollen,  are  movable,  while  there  is  a  thickening  around  them 
and  tho}'^  are  hot  and  tender. 

What  to  do. — The  first  thing  to  do,  and  in  the  first  stage,  will  naturally 
Suggest  itself  to  any  one  who  has  taken  the  pains  to  inform  himself  of 
the  dreadful  nature  of  the  disease.  Its  contagious  character  renders  it 
dangerous,  as  has  been  said,  not  only  to  all  of  the  horse  kind  but  to 
man ;  and  no  time  should  be  lost  in  removing  a  glandered  animal  from 
the  possibility  of  communicating  the  disorder  to  another.  If  stabled, 
there  should  be  no  connection  whatever  between  his  stall  and  those  of 
other  animals,  as  the  discharge  from  the  nostril,  (in  which  lies  the 
danger),  may  be  communicated  through  any  opening  suflBcient  to  allow 
horses  to  bite  or  nibble  at  each  other.  If  placed  to  pasture,  it  should  be 
kno^\ai  that  no  other  horse  is  at  all  likely  either  to  be  turned  in  with  him 
or  to  approach  the  inclosure.  And  this  removal  or  separation  should 
take  place  whenever  it  is  observed  that  there  is  that  constant  discharge 
from  one  nostril  which  has  been  described,  even  though  it  may  seem  but 
watery  and  natural,  and  the  horse  be  in  the  very  best  apparent  condition. 
Remember  that  a  glandered  condition  may  long  exist,  and  minute  ulcers^ 
in  the  hidden  recesses  of  the  nose,  discharge  a  sort  of  limpid  or  clear 
fluid,  without  any  of  the  active  and  violent  symptoms  being  manifest ; 
but  that  all  this  time  the  horse  may  be  able  to  communicate  the  disease 
to  others  ;  and  that  these  may  die  of  it  while  he  is  yet  in  reasonably  fair 
condition. 

It  can  hardly  escape  the  intelligent  horse  owner  that  every  knows 
€>ause  of  the  disease  should,  if  possible,  be  promptly  removed.  Close, 
damp,  dark  stables,  reeking  with  exhalations  distilled  from  mingled  dung, 
urine,  and  rain  water,  ought  at  any  rate  to  begin  to  receive  a  little 
attention  after  the  poor  occupant  has  caught  what  is  more  than  likely  to 
prove  his  death  ;  if  he  is  jaded  and  exhausted  by  labor,  no  hope  of  cure 
can  be  entertained  unless  he  is  promptly  released  from  his  toils  and  put 
upon  moderate  and  health-giving  exercise  only,  with  such  generous  diet 
as  will  restore  the  wasted  tissues ;  if,  on  the  contrary,  he  is  pampered 
and  stimulated  and  grown  unwholesomely  plethoric  for  want  of  labor 
proportioned  to  his  good  keeping,  his  food  should  be  gradually  changed, 
and  a  regular  course  of  moderately  increasing  exercise  be  instituted  and 


300  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

persevered  in  till  that  point  is  discovered  at  which  such  exercise  la 
recuperative  rather  than  exhaustive,  and  then  maintained. 

It  may  be  well,  before  proceeding  farther,  to  caution  the  reader  against 
the  advice  of  quacks,  and  point  out  what  not  to  do.  This  may  be 
iummed  up  in  the  one  single  injunction,  do  nothing  cruel.  All  such  prac- 
tices as  slitting  the  nose,  scraping  the  cartilage,  searing  the  glands,  tiring 
the  frontal  and  nasal  bones,  and  injecting  mustard,  capsicum,  vitriol,  and 
corrosive  sublimate  up  the  nostrils,  are  but  the  hurtful  devices  of  ignor- 
ance combined  with  brutality. 

If  the  disease  is  in  its  tirst  stage  when  the  horse  is  taken  in  hand  for 
the  purpose  of  employing  remedial  agencies,  place  him  in  a  good,  dry 
and  airy  stable,  if  in  Summer,  or  in  an  open  pasture  where  most  of  his 
food  may  be  obtained  by  himself,  observing  the  precautions  already  laid 
down.  If  in  Winter,  he  should  still  have  the  drj^  stable,  not  too  close, 
and  supplied  with  clean  litter,  and  care  should  be  taken  to  guard  liim 
against  severe  cold  and  exposure  to  any  sudden  change.  The  matter  of 
food  may  be  regulated  by  this :  it  niust  be  nutritious  without  being 
inflammatory ;  and  the  condition  of  the  animal  as  to  previous  treatment 
and  present  condition  of  flesh  must  regulate  the  quantity,  as  also  to  some 
extent  the  quality.     Then  prepare  and  administer  the  following  medicine  : 

No.  30.  1  Drachm  powdered  sulphate  of  camphor, 

4  Fluid  drachms  Fowler's  solution  of  arsenic. 

Mix  with  linseed  meal  and  syrup  to  form  a  ball,  and  give  one  of  lik* 
quantity  each  day  for  three  days  ;  then  omit  a  day ;  then  give  the  balls 
for  three  days  again,  and  so  on  till  a  change  for  the  better  is  perceptible 
or  its  failure  is  manifest.  Meanwhile,  swab  out  the  nose  every  day  with 
a  solution  of  pyroligenous  acid — using  warm  water,  (as  warm  as  the 
horse  can  well  bear),  and  putting  in  sufficient  of  the  acid  at  first  to  make 
the  solution  of  medium  strength.  It  should  be  a  little  increased  from 
day  to  day  ;  but  care  must  be  taken  not  to  make  it  too  strong,  as  violent 
acid  injections  or  swabbing  solutions  are  calculated  to  do  harm  rather 
than  good.  A  good  mop  for  this  purpose  may  be  made  hy  attaching  soft 
rags,  (old  cotton  cloth  is  best),  to  a  light  stick,  two  feet  in  length — so 
arranging  the  cloth  as  to  have  it  project  beyond  the  end  of  the  stick  to 
be  inserted,  to  prevent  any  roughness  that  might  abrade  or  scratcli  the 
membrane,  and  fastening  very  securely,  to  prevent  its  slipping  off. 

If  this  treatment  is  found  not  to  be  efficacious,  or  if  the  disease  hji« 
already  developed  into  the  second  stage — the  discharge  more  mucous, 
fetickj,  and  stringy,  with  glands  swollen  and  the  membrane  of  the  nose 
of  a  dark  purple  or  leaden  color — adopt  the  following  treatment,  and 
•arry  it  out  energetically  and  persistently : 


THE    HOKSE,    DISEASES    OF  THE  NASAL,  GLANDS,    ETC.  301 

Take  from  the  ueck  vein  from  three  to  six  quarts  of  blood,  accord- 
ing as  the  horse  may  appear  feeble  or  plethoric.  Make  a  gallon  of 
very  strong  decoction  or  tea  of  tobacco  leaves,  which  keej)  ready  for  use. 
Put  enough  of  this  into  warm  water,  (as  warm  as  the  horse  can  well 
bear),  and  swab  out  his  nostrils  with  it,  as  high  up  as  possible,  using 
mop  as  just  directed.  Then  put  a  gill  of  this  same  strong  tobacco  tea 
into  a  pint  of  warm  water,  and  drench  him  with  the  solution.  There 
must  be  no  uneasiness  on  account  of  the  dreadful  sickness  which  this  * 
will  produce.  The  tobacco  is  necessary  thoroughly  to  relax  the  system 
and  overcome  fixed  or  chronic  tendencies,  and  to  counteract  the  influence 
of  the  glanderous  poison.  Swab  out  the  nose  every  day  for  eight  or  ten 
days,  and  drench  every  third  day  for  from  two  to  four  weeks,  or  until 
the  discharge  has  ceased  and  the  ulcers  are  perceptibly  healing. 

So  for  the  first  two  stages.  If  all  these  directions,  (those  as  to  food 
and  care  as  well  as  for  the  administering  of  medicines),  are  faithfully 
carried  out,  a  reasonable  hope  of  success  may  be  entertained.  If  the 
disease  has  passed  into  the  third  stage,  however,  no  treatment  can  be 
confidently  recommended.  So  doubtful  is  it  as  to  Avhether  any  remedial 
agencies  will  avail,  that  most  veterinarians  in  the  United  States  confi- 
dently declare  that  the  best  thing  to  do  is  to  kill  the  sufferer  in  the 
quickest  and  most  humane  way,  and  bury  him  deep  in  the  ground,  beyond 
the  possibility  of  his  contaminating  the  atmosphere  with  his  decaying  and 
poisonous  carcass.  This  is  made  a  matter  of  legislative  enactment  in 
England — severe  penalties  attaching  to  the  keeping  of  glandered  horses 
— and  it  is  contended  by  some  that  the  general  safety  of  both  animals 
and  man  require  like  legal  enactments  in  this  country  ;  but,  as  we  have 
said,  until  he  has  passed  into  the  third  state,  or  where  he  seems  to  be 
suffering  with  both  glanders  and  farcy,  a  good  horse  ought  not  to  be  sac- 
rificed. It  cannot  be  too  strongly  urged,  however,  that  no  effort  ought 
to  be  spared  to  prevent  the  spread  of  the  contagion ;  and  the  man 
who  would  expose  a  horse  for  sale,  known  to  him  to  be  glandered,  but 
not  apparent  to  a  casual  observer,  ought  to  be  confined  in  the  State 
prison. 

A  horse  affected  with  this  disease,  in  any  stage,  is  dangerous  to  th« 
man  who  handles  him  ;  but  he  is  doubly  so,  perhaps,  when  he  has  become 
a  loathsome  object  in  limbs  and  body  as  well  as  in  head ;  and  under 
ordinary  circumstances  it  is  doubtless  best  to  destroy  him  as  quickly  aa 
possible.  In  case  treatment  is  determined  upon,  nothing  better  than  thai 
prescribed  for  the  second  stage  can  be  recommended. 

The  reader's  attention  ought  to  be  called  to  this  fact:  that  there  have 
been  instances  of  a  spontaneous  curt  of  glanders — ^that  is,  of  cures 
having  taken  place  without  the  agency  of  remedial  means  used  by  man ; 


502  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 

but  all  such  cases  may  have  been  apparent  rather  than  real — a  mere  suti. 
pension  of  the  active  powers  of  the  poison — and  they  ought  to  be  looked 
upon  with  suspicion.     These  may  be  resumed  at  some  future  time  and 
with  fatal  result. 

It  remains  now  but  to  suggest  some  precautionary  measures  to  prevent 
contagion,  in  addition  to  those  which  have  already  been  given.  If  a 
atable  is  known  to  have  been  used  by  a  glandered  horse,  no  other  animal 
should  be  allowed  to  occupy  it  until  the  trough,  the  rack,  and  the  walls 
have  been  thoroughly  scraped  and  scoured  with  strong  soap  and  warm 
water.  Then  take  one  pint  of  chipride  of  lime  and  dissolve  it  in  two  gal- 
lons of  water,  with  which  thoroughly  saturate  every  part  that  the  horse's 
nose  may  have  touched.  Next,  white-wash  the  walls  inside.  Then  burn 
bridles,  halters,  buckets  out  of  which  he  has  drunk — whatever  may  have 
been  about  his  head — and  if  any  blanketing  has  been  used  have  it  care- 
fully cleansed  by  washing,  or   burn  it   up. 

n.    Farcy. 

Causes — In  treating  of  glanders  and  farcy  there  is  a  great  diversity 
of  opinion  as  to  the  relations  in  which  they  stand  to  each  other — which 
is  the  antecedent,  which  the  consequent ;  but  the  most  sensible  view  of 
the  matter,  and  the  one  taken  by  the  ablest  veterinarians,  is  this  :  that 
the  two  arc  but  different  manifestions  of  the  same  disease,  and  that  they 
might  with  propriety  be  so  treated.  Regarding  them  separately  it  is 
difficult  to  say  which  is  the  more  acute  form,  w^hich  the  more  chronic,  as 
it  is  now  generally  conceded  that  a  horse  afflicted  with  what  may  seem  at 
first  a  well-developed  case  of  glanders  may  be  presently  laboring  under 
confirmed  farcy — the  last  state  apparently  worse  than  the  first ;  again,  a 
case  of  farcy  may  assume  the  type  to  which  the  name  glanders  is  applied, 
and  in  this  case  also  there  seems  to  be  a  development  of  the  first  into  a 
more  hopeless  disorder. 

This  would  be  a  matter,  however,  of  no  special  consequence  to  the 
intelligent  horse  owner  were  it  not  that  the  fconfused  notions  of  men 
concerning  the  two  affections  might  chance  to  bring  him  face  to  face  with 
this  difficulty :  that,  unable  to  eliminate  the  truth  from  the  tangled 
statements  of  some  who,  entertaining  diverse  views,  may  take  it  upon 
themselves  to  advise,  he  may  find  himself  halting  between  two  opinions 
when  it  is  of  ^'^tal  consequence  that  he  should  be  doing  something.  Let 
him  be  assured  that  it  is  wholly  unnecessary  to  trouble  himself  with  nice 
questions  as  to  the  priority  of  either  disease  or  the  real  difference 
between  them  ;  the  one  important  point  for  him  is  to  be  able  to  detect  in 
*he  incipiency  of  an  attack  of    either  that  one  of  them  is  present. 


THE  HORSE,   DISEASES   OF  THE    NASAL  GLANDS,  ETC.  ^0^ 

Speaking  now  of  the  farcy  as  a  distinct  disease,  it  is  to  be  regarded  as 
a  general  poisoned  condition  of  the  horse — the  poison  having  its  imme- 
diate origin  in  an  ulcerated  condition  of  the  lymphatic  glands ;  and  it« 
remote  origin  in  whatever  tends  to  disorder  these  lymphatics.  The 
remote  causes  are  often  found  in  constitutional  or  inherited  tendencies, 
but  more  frequently,  no  doubt,  in  neglect  and  abuse — some  of  the  forms 
which  these  take  on  being  ovei-work  and  under-feeding;  lack  of  the 
curry-comb  and  brush ;  exposure  to  the  foul  atmosphere  of  dark,  damp 
stables,  and  their  accumulations  of  filth. 

The  glands  so  affected  are  more  numerous  along  the  jaws,  neck,  and 
flanks  than  elsewhere  near  the  skin.  Some  species  of  poison  is  taken 
into  the  system  of  the  animal,  which  manifests  itself  by  an  enlaro^ement 
of  some  of  these  glands  into  the  hp,rd,  rounded  lumps,  called  farci/^buds^ 
or  buttons,  which  presently  secrete  and  discharge  dangerous  infectious 
matter.  The  absorbents  whose  office  it  is  to  remove  useless  particles 
from  the  body,  take  up  from  beneath  the  skin  some  of  this  virus  -,  they 
inflame  with  it  and  swell ;  and  by  their  connection  with  the  veins  give  the 
latter  a  corded,  swollen  appearance.  The  poison,  of  course,  finally 
reaches  the  veins  and  is  mingled  with  the  blood  ;  by  the  blood  it  is 
conveyed  to  every  part  of  the  system.  Acting  upon  the  valves  of  the 
veins — ^those  little  membranous  sacs  which  assist  in  orivins:  the  blood  a 
uniform  tendency  towards  the  heart — the  poison  creates  new  knots  or 
buttons,  and  thus  they  mcrease  until  many  portions  of  the  skin  are 
covered  with  putrid  ulcers 

The  first  existence  of  an  ulcerous  condition  may  not  be  upon  any  visible 
portion  of  the  body.  Minute  poisonous  ulcerations  may  arise  in  the 
recesses  of  the  nose,  and  discharge  so  slightly  as  to  escape  observation 
until  the  general  system  is  thoroughly  inoculated  with  the  virus. 

It  is,  however,  extremely  capricious  in  its  manifestations ;  probably 
owing  more  to  the  peculiarities  of  different  animals  than  to  any  difference 
as  to  either  immediate  or  remote  causes  of  the  disease  itself.  It  occa- 
sionally takes  on  a  lingering  form,  and  will  continue  for  months  and 
years ;  again  it  will  run  its  course  and  kill  the  horse  in  an  incredibly 
Bhort  time. 

It  is  extremely  contagious  in  all  its  stages,  and  is  communicable  not 
only  to  other  brutes,  but  to  man. 

How  to  know  it — it  is  difficult  to  give  in  few  words  such  directions 
as  enable  the  unprofessional  and  inexperienced  reader  readily  to  detect 
this  disease  in  its  inoipiency,  and  to  distinguish,  in  its  somewhat  advanced 
state,  between  it  and  some  other  diseases  which  have,  occasionally  similar 
manifestations.  It  often  perplexes  by  the  different  forms  it  assumes ; 
but  close  attention  to  the  following  particulars  and  a  wide-awake  interest. 


^4  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

that  leads  one  to  observe  changes  and  peculiar  conditions  will  probably 
suffice  : 

In  some  cases  the  horse  will  droop  for  many  days  before  the  appear- 
ance of  either  buds  or  corded  veins  ;  the  appetite  is  impaired  ;  the  coat 
is  staring,  or  rough  and  unpleasant  to  the  sight ;  his  mouth  is  hot ;  his 
thirst  gi-eat  and  difficult  to  quench  ;  the  urine  is  highl}^  colored  ;  the  hair 
comes  off  easily ;  and  he  evinces  then  the  symptoms  of  a  generally 
deranged  condition. 

Sometimes  the  horse  will  appear  to  be  perfectly  well  at  night,  and  next 
morning  one  leg,  usually  the  hind  leg,  will  be  fearfully  swollen,  hot 
T\nth  fever,  and  almost  without  the  power  of  moving. 

At  other  times  the  head  will  swell,  the  muzzle,  particularly,  will  be 
enlarged,  and  an  offensive  discharge  proceed  from  the  nose. 

Again,  this  tendency  to  the  swelling  of  the  leg  is  accompanied  by 
cracks  at  the  heels,  leading  the  inexperienced  to  mistake  it  for  ordinary 
"swelled  legs"  or  for  "grease." 

When  taken  by  inoculation,  (the  poison  ha\dng  been  received  from 
another  animal  or  from  trough,  stable,  or  curry-comb),  it  is  apt  to 
manifest  itself  in  its  earliest  stages  by  shivering,  followed  by  heat  of 
body,  a  frequent  and  hard  pulse,  dullness,  accelerated  breathing,  and 
rapid  elevation  of  temperature.     These  attacks  may  speedily  prove  fatal. 

In  all  these  cases,  the  poison  has  been  working,  but  is  not  yet 
outwardly  manifest.  Generally  the  first  stage  of  unmistakable  local 
manifestation  is  a  swelling  of  the  lymphatics,  a  development  of  the 
"farcy-bud."  A  single  bud  will  sometimes  appear  near  the  pastem 
joint  and  run  up  in  an  uneven  knotty  form.  They  usually  appear, 
however,  along  the  sides  of  the  neck  or  inside  the  legs,  and  are  rounded, 
with  an  elevated  edge,  and  a  pale  surface.  These  presently  burst  and 
discharge  a  watery  fluid  for  some  time,  when  a  change  takes  place  and 
the  discharges  become  more  mattery  and  offensive,  and  are  mixed  with 
blood.  They  frequently  increase  in  number  until  the  neck,  shoulders, 
and  legs  are  almost  entirely  covered  with  them — sometimes  almost  the 
whole  body  becomes  a  putrid  loathsome  mass.  In  this  last  case  there  are 
no  longer  any  buds  or  knots,  as  the  veins  have  become  so  generally 
Injured  as  not  to  show  special  prominences  at  the  valvular  points. 

Occasionally  it  will  be  found  that  the  buds  will  not  ulcerate,  but 
become  hard  and  difficult  to  remove.  This  indicates  that  the  progress  of 
tlie  disease  is  suspended  ;  but  the  poison  is  in  the  system,  and  if  steps 
are  not  taken  at  once  to  eradicate  the  seeds  of  the  malady,  it  will  in 
time  break  out  and  destroy  the  horse. 

When  it  rises  along  the  spine,  as  it  occasionally  does,  it  is  to  be 
•onsidered  mali^ant  and  very  dangerous,  particularly  to  those  horseji 


THE  HORSE,  DISEASES  OF  THE  NASAL  GLANDS    ETC.  305 

that  are  fat  and  full-blooded — the  disease  in  this  case  being  most 
probably  the  result  of  infection. 

To  enable  one  to  distinguish  it  from  those  diseases  for  which  it  i» 
sometimes  mistaken,  the  following  directions,  if  closely  observed,  will  ba 
sufficient : 

It  differs  from  surfeit  in  this  :  that  the  buds  are  generally  higher  than 
the  surfeit  tumors,  more  knotty,  not  so  broad,  and  are  found  principally 
on  the  inside  of  the  limb  and  not  on  the  outside. 

The  sudden  swellings  of  the  legs,  head,  or  chest  are  characterized  by 
heat  and  tenderness  that  do  not  accompany  other  enlargements  ;  and  the 
farcy  may  be  distinguished  from  grease  or  swelled  legs  by  this  :  that  in 
grease  there  is  usually  a  peculiar  tightness,  glossiness,  and  redness  of  the 
skin,  with  scurfiness,  discharging  cracks,  and  a  singular  spasmodic  catch- 
ing up  of  the  leg.  In  farcy  the  swelling  is  more  sudden — the  leg  that  is 
apparently  sound  at  night  is  found  in  the  morning  swollen  to  an 
enormous  size.  It  is  o^ang  to  a  simultaneous  inflammation  of  all  the 
absorbents  of  the  limb  ;  but  instead  of  the  redness  and  glossiness  of  sui- 
feit  there  will  be  burning  heat  without  outward  manifestation,  and  the 
leg  will  be  peculiarly  tender,  while  the  body  will  be  generally  feverish. 

It  may  be  known  from  that  local  dropsy  of  the  cellular  membrane  pro- 
ducing an  enlargement  beneath  the  thorax  called  water-farcy,  by  simply 
observing  that  in  water-farcy  there  is  general  weakness  unaccompanied 
by  inflammation. 

What  to  do — The  treatment  must  of  course  be  directed  primarily  to 
the  removal  of  the  blood  poison  and  to  the  restoring  of  the  assimilative 
powers  of  the  digestive  and  circulating  organs.  It  must  be  both  general 
and  local ;  as  the  vital  functions  are  to  be  restored  to  their  normal  condi- 
tion at  the  same  time  as  the  outward  manifestations  of  the  poison  are 
removed.  The  buds  must  be  dispersed  and  the  ulcers  healed  by  active 
external  applications,  since  the  powerful  internal  remedies  must  be  more 
or  less  inoperative  while  these  receptacles  of  poisonous  matter  furnish  a 
constant  supply  to  the  absorbents,  to  be  carried  by  the  various  organs  of 
circulation  to  all  parts  of  the  body. 

The  first  and  most  necessary  thing  to  do  is  to  exercise  a  wise  discrin>- 
ination  as  to  the  stage  of  the  disease.  If  found  to  be  in  its  incipiency^- 
few  buds  ha\4ng  appeared,  and  being  slow  to  spread  ;  no  foul  discharge 
from  the  nose ;  no  sudden  swellings  and  violent  heat — the  foUowino- 
treatment  may  be  adopted  with  every  hope  of  success  : 

Pay  particular  attention  to  feeding,  and  to  keeping  the  stable,  (if  nec- 
essary to  have  the,  animal  confined),  clean,  dry,  and  comfortable.  The 
food  should  be  easy  of  digestion,  but  nourishing,  and  especially  of  such 


306  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK   DOCTOR. 

X  character  as  to  keep  the  bowels  reguhir.  Bran,  oats,  long  forage, 
(green  if  possible),  arc  good  ;  and  an  occasional  mash  of  boiled  carrots  or 
turnips  mixed  with  bran  or  shorts,  to  which  a  table-spoonful  of  salt  is 
added,  will  be  found  beneficial.  He  should  have  moderate  daily  exercise  ; 
and  as  much  good  pure  water  as  he  will  take  should  be  given  him.  If 
the  food  given  does  not  have  the  effect  of  keeping  the  bowels  open,  give 
an  occasional  mild  purgative  compounded  as  follows  : 

No.  31.  3  Drachms  finely  powdered  aloes, 

1  Drachm  ground  ginger. 

Stir  these  ingredients  thoroughly  together ;  then  use  sufficient  soft 
»oap  to  make  a  paste  that  can  be  rolled  into  a  ball.  Wrap  this  in  thin 
paper,  and  give  by  elevating  his  head  and  thrusting  it  into  his  throat. 

Give  the  following  tonic,  to  stimulate  the  digestive  and  secretive 
functions : 

No.  32.  C  Oz.  powdered  sulphate  of  iron, 

6  Oz.  rosin, 
3  Oz.  gentian, 
3  Oz.  ground  ginger. 

Mix  thoroughly,  divide  into  twelve  powders,  and  give  one  night  and 
morning.  When  these  powders  are  exhausted,  make  up  the  same 
mixture,  with  the  exception  of  the  rosin,  which,  by  too  long  continuance 
is  apt  to  affect  the  kidneys  unduly,  and  give  as  before,  night  and 
morning. 

To  remove  the  buttons  and  ulcers,  take  a  large  stick  or  pencil  of  lunar 
oftustic  or  of  caustic  potash,  and  with  it  burn  out  the  central  portion  of 
each  bud,  and  cauterize  each  ulcer.  When  convenient  to  obtain  what  is 
called  a  farrier's  "budding  iron,"  the  work  may  be  more  expeditiously 
done  by  heating  the  iron  to  redness,  and,  after  rubbing  it  on  something 
to  clear  off  the  scales,  inserting  the  point  into  every  bud  and  ulcer — 
remembering  that  it  must  be  done  moderately,  and  not  so  as  to  destroy 
the  tissues.  When  these  burnt  places  begin  to  slough  out,  and  look 
pale,  foul,  and  spongy,  with  thin  matter,  wash  them  frequently  with  a 
solution  of  1  drachm  of  corrosive  sublimate  in  1  oz.  rectified  spirits. 
When  the  wounds  begin  tC  look;  red,  and  the  bottom  of  them  is  even  an<3 
firm,  while  they  discharge  H  thick  white  or  yellow  matter,  use  som« 
•imple  ointment. 

If  the  disease  is  plainly  in  an  advanced  stage — the  buttons  and  ulcers 
numerous  and  widely  spread  over  the  body ;  the  thirst  great  and  hard  to 
satisfy  ;  signs  of  glanderous  ulcers  on  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  nose  ; 
the  hair,  where  the  sores  have  not  invaded  the  skin,  staring  and  easy  ta 


THE    HORSE,    DISEASES  OF  THE  NASAL  GLANDS,  ETC.  ^7 

*ome  off ;  the  general  appearance  filthy  and  loathsome — the  following 
Kevere  treatment  should  be  adopted  and  perseveringly  carried  out : 

In  the  first  place,  observe  all  the  precautions  as  to  diet  and  the  state  of 
the  bowels  previously  recommended,  being  careful  to  guard  against 
extensive  purging,  for  tliis  will  tend  rather  to  reduce  the  disease  to  a 
lower  stage,  and  to  retard  recovery. 

Bleed  at  once,  taking  from  two  to  four  quarts  of  blood  from  the  neck 
Tein,  according  as  the  body  is  more  or  less  inflamed. 

Take  &,  gill  of  very  strong  solution  of  tobacco  and  pour  it  into  »  pint 
of  warm  water,  and  drench  with  it.  Repeat  this  dose  every  third  day 
until  a  change  for  the  better  has  evidently  taken  place.  If  the  feverish 
state  continues  he  should  be  bled  again,  taking  a  like  quantity  as  at  first, 
within  a  week  or  ten  days.  The  practice  of  bleeding,  as  insisted  upon 
})y  some  veterinarians,  cannot  be  recommended ;  but  there  are  cases  iia 
which  it  may  be  employed  with  the  greatest  advantage.  In  farcy,  it 
cannot  be  said  to  remove  the  poison  to  any  great  extent,  though  it  does 
in  some  measure  have  this  effect ;  but  the  vitiated  condition  of  the  fluid 
5eems  to  render  it  turgid  and  slow,  and  to  produce  an  unnatural  disten- 
ision  of  the  veins  and  capillaries,  which  bleeding  partially  relieves — . 
possibly  by  both  diminishing  the  quantity  a  little  and  by  a  reaction  which 
follows  the  shock  given  to  the  organs  of  circulation  by  the  act  of  blood" 
letting. 

The  tobacco  drench  is  a  powerful  medicine  in  counteracting  the  poison 
in  the  system  ;  and  while  the  dose  recommended  will  make  the  horse  very 
sick,  from  its  well-known  nauseating  properties,  its  effects  are  not  to  be 
feared. 

On  those  days  which  intervene  between  the  doses  of  tobacco  tea,  the 
tonic  powder.  No.  32,  may  be  given  as  directed  for  the  milder  stage  of 
farcy,  omitting  the  rosin. 

When  the  poison  has  been  long  at  work  Avithout  betraying  its  presence, 
till  all  at  once  the  horse  becomes  lame,  his  legs  swell,  violent  general 
heat  sets  in,  large  and  vicious  looking  buds  appear  suddenly  and  presently 
break,  while  a  stinking  discharge  takes  place  from  the  nose  —  corded  veins 
and  buttons  appearing  in  some  instances  along  the  spine — the  case  may 
well  be  looked  upon  as  hopeless  ;  and  if  there  are  other  animals  that  are 
in  danger  of  taking  the  affection  from  him,  it  is  doubtless  best,  as  is 
generally  recommended  by  English  veterinarians,  for  even  much  milder 
forms,  to  kill  the  horse  and  bury  him  beyond  the  reach  of  all  danger  to 
others.  In  this  stage  of  the  disease  he  is  dangerous  to  man,  and  no 
one  ought  to  be  required  to  take  the  risk  of  handling  him. 

Lastly,  every  precaution  should  be  taken  to  guard  against  the  sprcrul 
•f  the  contagion.  When  a  horse  is  known  to  be  affected  with  farcy,  n* 
20 


308  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 

time  should  be  lost  in  cleansing  the  stable  where  he  has  been  confined^ 
Washing  the  trough,  rack  and  walls  thoroughly, —  saturating  them  aftet 
that  with  a  strong  solution  of  chloride  of  lime,  (one  pint  of  chloride  to 
two  gallons  of  water),  and  then  white-washing  the  walls  inside.  Curry- 
comb, blanket — whatever  may  have  the  poison  adhering  to  it — hall 
better  be  burned. 

m.   Distemper 

Causes. — ^This  is  an  epidemic  disease,  occurring  in  young  horses,  gen« 
erally,  and  when  it  once  breaks  out  all  the  animals  in  the  stable  are  likely 
to  be  infected  with  it,  unless  they  have  already  had  it.  Colts  and  young 
horses  will  take  it  from  older  ones  more  easily  than  older  ones  from  the 
young. 

If  it  is  not  actually  generated  by  filth  and  uncleanness  in  the  stables, 
the  disease  is  certainly  aggravated  by  causes  producing  miasma  and  bad 
air  in  the  stables.  Therefore  cleanliness  is  essential  not  only  as  a  means 
of  preventing  the  disease,  but  in  rendering  it  of  a  mild  type  when  it 
breaks  out 

Horses  will  contract  the  disease  from  others  when  at  a  considerable 
distance.  It  is  supposed  to  be  communicated  both  by  actual  contact  and 
also  from  germs  proceeding  from  the  breath.  Hence  when  once  it  breaks 
out,  at  the  first  symptoms,  isolate  the  sick  animal  or  animals,  fumigate 
the  stable  thoroughly  and  daily. 

To  do  this  fill  the  stable  with  tobacco  smoke,  both  the  stable  from 
whence  the  sick  horses  have  been  taken,  and  the  place  where  they  are 
confined  during  treatment.  Let  the  smoke  be  so  thick  as  to  become 
'luite  inconvenient.  Make  all  the  animals  inhale  as  much  as  possible. 
Wash  every  part  of  the  stable,  and  especially  the  feeding  places  and  hay 
racks,  with  a  strong  decoction  of  tobacco  stems,  using  for  the  purpose 
cheap,  rank  tobacco.  Keep  powdered  tobacco  leaves  in  the  mangers  of 
all  the  horses.  This  being  early  attended  to  its  spread  may  be  generally 
arrested. 

How  to  know  it. — The  disease  has  three  stages.  In  the  early  stage  of 
the  disease  there  is  a  dry,  hacking  cough,  and  there  will  be  noticed  % 
discharge  from  the  nose,  first  of  a  thin,  watery  fluid  succeeded  by  % 
thicker,  purulent  discharge  of  a  whitish  color. 

The  next  stajre  of  the  disease  shows  itself  in  a  swelling:  of  the  throat. 
The  salivary  glands,  which  at  first  were  inflamed,  are  now  closed,  and  pus 
is  being  formed.     At  length  an  abscess  is  formed. 

The  third  stage  is  the  suppurative  stage,  in  which  the  abscess  breaks ; 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  80t 

sometimes  there  are  two.  From  this  time  on,  the  animal  is  in  a  fair  way 
to  mend,  and  every  means  should  be  taken  to  promote  the  discharge.  In 
bad  cases  the  suppuration  may  continue  for  weeks,  and  in  extreme  cases 
it  may  continue  for  months. 

From  first  to  last  there  is  a  fever.  The  pulse  is  quickened  and  hard. 
The  appetite  fails,  both  from  the  fever  and  inability  to  swallow.  As  th« 
tever  increases  the  eyes  become  dull  and  glassy  ;  the  hair  is  dry,  will  not 
lie  close,  looks  dead ;  and  the  animal  stands  with  its  head  drooped,  and 
the  whole  appearance  is  stupid. 

What  to  do. — In  some  cases,  bleeding  will  be  indicated.  This,  how- 
ever, should  not  be  allowed  except  unde;r  the  advice  of  a  competent 
veterinary  surgeon  or  physician.  If  the  animal  is  fat,  or  if  there  are  in- 
dications of  blood  poisoning,  from  a  quart  to  three  pints  of  blood  may  be 
taken  from  the  neck  vein.  The  animal  must  be  warmly  clothed  and  kept 
in  a  thoroughly  well  ventilated  but  comfortable  stable.  Let  the  food  be 
light,  but  nourishing.  Mashes  made  of  oat-meal  and  bran ;  also  boiled 
oats  ;  oat-meal  gruel,  and  hay-tea  should  be  given  for  drink.  Give  the 
following ; 

So.  33.  1  table-spoonful  pulverized  gum  myrrh, 

1  table-spoonful  gun  powder, 
1  table-spoonful  lard, 

1  table-spoonful  soft-soap, 

2  table-spoonfuls  tar. 

Mix,  and  put  a  spoonful  of  this  mixture  on  a  long,  narrow  paddle 
down  the  throat  twice  a  day,  so  it  will  lodge  about  the  glands  of  the 
throat. 

Let  all  drink  and  food  have  the  chill  taken  off  before  giving  it.  If 
there  is  considerable  fever  and  the  tongue  is  coated,  give  a  little  cream  of 
tartar  in  the  drink.  If  the  limbs  are  cold,  bandage  them  and  hand  rub 
to  promote  circulation.     Give  once  a  day  in  the  food  the  following  : 

No.  34.  2  or  three  ounces  flower  of  sulphur, 

1  ounce  resin. 

To  be  mixed  in  the  food  if  it  will  eat,  or  in  the  drink.  Give  also  thre« 
ounces  of  sulphur  per  day,  if  the  animal  will  take  it.  Wash  the  neck 
two  or  three  times  a  day  with  a  decoction  of  tobacco  as  hot  as  the  animal 
will  bear  it.  If  these  remedies  are  taken  in  time  and  faithfully  applied, 
they  will  often  prevent  any  tumor  from  forming.  If  the  tumor  forms, 
then  every  means  must  be  employed  to  cause  it  to  suppurate.  It  will 
then  be  dangerous  to  scatter  it.  If  the  bowels  are  obstructed,  removt 
the  contents  of  the  rectum  by  the  following  injection : 


SIO  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

Vo.  35.  4  Drachms  powdered  aloes, 

1  Drachm  common  salt, 

2  Drachms  hot  water. 

Mix,  and  inject  when  blood-warm. 

Use  every  possible  means  to  promote  the  formation  of  pus  and  its  dis. 
eharge.  Common  distemper  and  strangles  are  similar  in  some  of  their 
eymptoms,  and  one  may  run  in  the  other.  Stimulate  the  swelling  witk 
the  following: 

No.  36.  Two  parts  spirits  of  turpentine, 

One  part  laudanum, 
One  part  spirits  of  camphor. 

Apply  this  three  times  a  day  with  a 
brush  until  soreness  is  produced.    Af- 
ter   each  application   keep    the   parts 
warm  with   folds    of  flannel,  kept   in 
KiGHT-TAiLED  BANDAGE.  placc  with  au  eight-tailed    bandage,  a 

piece  of  flannel  having  three  slits 
cut  in  the  ends  for  tying,  and  long  enough  to  go  round  the  throat  and  tie 
over  the  top  of  the  head. 

If  this  does  not  cause  the  tumor  to  form,  prepare  a  poultice  as  follows ; 

No.  37.  1  Part  powdered  slippery  elm, 

1  Part  poplar  bark, 
1  Part  ground  flax  seed. 

Moisten  with  vinegar  and  water  equal  parts,  quilt  between  two  folds  of 
cloth  and  apply  to  as  large  a  surface  as  possible.  When  the  tumor  has 
formed  pus  and  is  nearly  ripe,  which  may  be  known  by  a  soft  place  where 
it  is  working  its  way  to  the  surface,  open  it  with  a  knife  with  a  round- 
pointed  blade,  and  if  necessary  increase  the  opening  with  a  button-pointed 
bistoury,  to  allow  free  exit  of  matter.  It  will  give  almost  immediate  re- 
lief-    Then  apply  to  the  swollen  glands  night  and  morning,  the  following : 

No.  38.  4  Ounces  spirits  of  camphor, 

3  Ounces  pyroligneous  acid, 
1  Pint  neat's  foot  oil. 

Mix.  If  the  acid  is  not  to  be  easily  obtained  use  strong  cider  vinegar. 
Prepare  the  following  powders  : 

No.  39.  2  Ounces  powdered  gentian, 

1  Ounce  powdered  golden  seal, 
1  Ounce  powdered  pleurisy  root, 
1  Pound  powdered  liquorice  root. 

Mix,  and  divide  into  six  powders,  to  be  given  in  the  food  night  and 
iQorning. 


^  THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  31 1 

IV.    Nasal  Gleet. 

Causes.^-This  affliction  sometimes  follows  distemper  and  strangles  and 
is  one  of  the  attendants  on  glanders,  sometimes  running  into  it.  It  is 
sometimes  caused  by  a  chronic  affection  of  the  schneiderian  surfaces.  It 
is  caused  sometimes  by  the  relaxing  and  enlarging  of  the  ducts  commu- 
nicating between  the  cavities  of  the  mouth  and  nose  by  disease,  allowing 
the  semi-liquid  food  and  its  juices  to  pass  into  the  nostrils.  This  is  true 
chronic  gleet,  and  the  discharge  is  tinged  with  what  the  animal  eats.  It 
is  in  one  of  its  forms  a  suppuration  of  the  mucus  membrane  lining  in  the 
facial  sinuses,  producing  distortion  and  a  terribly  offensive  dischar-o-e, 
which  may  have  been  produced  by  a  blow  on  the  face.  In  bad  cases  the 
cheapest  way  is  to  end  the  animal's  misery  by  killing. 

How  to  know  it. — Discharge  is  not  always  present,  neither  is  it  uniform. 
Sometimes  during  fair  weather  it  will  be  discontinued.  The  discharge  is 
a  thick  yellow  mucus  tinged  with  green,  if  the  food  be  grass,  or  with  the 
color  of  the  food.  If  it  becomes  purulent,  that  is  pus,  matter,  and 
tinged  with  blood,  it  may  end  in  ulceration  of  the  cartilages  of  the  nose, 
and  in  glanders.  If  the  discharge  is  confined  to  the  left  nostril,  is  tena- 
cious, elastic,  accumulates  around  the  edges  of  the  nose,  if  there  is 
enlargement  of  the  lymphatic  submaxillary  gland,  under  and  on  the  side 
of  the  jaw,  it  is  cheaper  to  kill  the  horse,  or  else  call  in  a  surgeon,  since 
for  the  proper  treatment  of  the  disease  the  trephine  should  be  used, 
by  which  a  circular  piece  of  the  bone  may  be  taken  out  to  facilitate 
treatment. 

How  to  Cure. — In  mild  cases  look  for  decayed  molar  (grinding)  teeth ; 
if  found,  remove  them.  Look  for  swelling  of  the  frontal  bone,  produced 
by  bruises.  Put  the  horse  where  he  may  be  comfortable,  let  his  diet 
be  light,  but  soft ;  fresh  grass  in  Summer,  with  good  food.  Inject  the 
nasal  passages  thoroughly  with  the  following ; 

No.  40.  1  Ounce  bayberry  bark, 

1  Pint  boiling  water. 

When  cool  strain  through  a  close  linen  or  white  flannel  cloth,  and  inj&a^ 
daily. 

Prepare  the  following : 

Ko.  4L  1  Part  Grains  of  Paradise, 

1  Part  white  mustard  seed, 
1  Part  powdered  sulphur, 
1  Part  powdered  charcoal. 
Mix,  and  give  one  ounce  daily  in  the  foo4U 


M2  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOB. 

Give  occasionally  in  gruel  the  following : 

ISo,  42.  >^  Ounce  balsam  copaiba, 

2  Drachms  sweet  spirits  of  niter. 

This  with  warm  clothing  and  nutritious  food  will  suffice  for  mild  cases 
Where  the  trephine  is  not  to  be  used,  treatment  must  be  persisted  in  until 
the  animal  is  cured. 

V.   Nasal  Polypus. 

Polypus  may  form  upon  any  of  the  cavities  of  the  body  which  com- 
municate with  the  air,  being  peculiar  to  the  mucous  membrane.  These 
grown  to  such  size  as  seriously  to  impair  breathing,  are  accompanied  some- 
times by  discharge  of  mucus  which  is  pure.  That  is,  it  is  thrown  out  as 
soon  as  formed,  and  therefore  it  is  not  fetid. 

Y/hat  to  do. — If  the  polypus  which  is  generally  pear-shaped  and  at. 
tached  to  the  membrane  of  the  nose,  by  a  small  neck,  can  be  made  visible 
by  causing  the  horse  to  cough,  it  may  be  removed  by  a  ligature  or  a 
pair  of  polypus  scissors  by  any  physician,  if  no  veterinary  surgeon  is 
at  hand. 

When  the  polypus  is  entirely  concealed  from  view,  tracheotomy  may 
have  to  be  employed  before  an  examination  can  be  made,  since  the  poly- 
pus may  have  gone  so  far  as  to  oppress  the  breathing.  Thus  in  all  cases 
of  palypus,  unless  it  be  so  low  that  a  ligature  can  be  employed  to  strarg- 
ulate  it  at  the  neck,  it  is  altogether  better  to  call  in  the  aid  of  a  T«tei> 
inary  surgeon. 


CHAPTER    IV. 


DBOFSICAL   AFFECTIONS. 


K  raOFBT  OF  THK  HEART. II.  DROPSY  OP  THE  BRAIN.  — —  HI.  DROPSY  OF  THE  CHESY. 

IV.  DROPSY  OF  THK  8KIH  OF  THK  CHEST. V.  DROPSY  OF  THK   SCROTUM. W 

DROPSY  OF  THE  ABDOMEN. 


I.    Dropsy  of  the  Heart: 

Causes. — The  pericardium  or  membranous  covering  of  the  heart  ii 
subject  to  inflammation  ;  by  this  inflammation  and  consequent  obstructeij 
circulation  in  the  minute  vessels  that  supply  it  an  effusion  takes  place, 
»nd  either  thickens  the  walls  of  the  pericardium  itself,  and  thus  contracts 
or  compresses  the  heart,  or  it  is  deposited  in  the  cavity  of  the  pericardium 
in  quantities  varying  from  a  pint  to  a  gallon.  This  diseased  condition  iu 
generally  found  in  connection  with  dropsy  of  the  chest  or  abdomen. 

How  to  know  it.^In  the  early  stages  of  the  disease  there  is  a  quickened 
and  irregular  respiration,  with  a  bounding  action  of  the  heart.  As  the 
fluid  increases  the  action  of  this  organ  becomes  feeble  and  fluttering. 
There  is  a  peculiar  expression  of  anxiety  and  alarm  on  the  countenance 
of  the  animal.  If  he  does  not  die  of  the  disease  before  the  pericardium 
is  filled,  violent  palpitations  and  throbbings  characterize  the  advanced 
stage.  The  breathing  becomes  difficult,  and  when  the  head  is  raised 
there  is  a  tendency  to  faint. 

What  to  do. — If  it  is  observed  while  there  is  yet  a  painful  state  of  the 
pericardium  by  reason  of  inflammation — profuse  effusion  not  havnig 
taken  place— the  first  thing  is  to  reduce  the  inflammation  and  allay  the 
pain,  and  thus  forestall  the  further  accumulation  of  the  fluid.  For  thi& 
purpose  relieve  constipation,  which  is  usually  found  as  an  accompaniment, 
fcy  moderate  doses  of  salts,  or  of  oil.     Then  give  the  following  draugnt; 

313 


514  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

No.  43.  1  Oz.  nitrate  of  potash, 

15  Drops  tincture  of  aconite, 

1  Pint  of  water. 

The  animal  must  be  kept  comfortable,  according  to  the  season,  and 
have  a  plentiful  supply  of  fresh  air  and  cold  water. 

If  there  are  no  indications  of  relief  within  four  hours,  give  the  following 
draught : 

No.  44.  4  Oz.  solution  of  acetate  of  ammonia, 

10  Drops  tincture  of  aconite, 
12  Oz  of  water. 

Repeat  this  after  eight  hours,  and  then  leave  off  the  aconite,  but  con- 
tinue to  give,  at  intervals,  the  acetate  of  ammonia  in  water. 

If  the  disease  has  reached  an  advanced  stage,  and  the  cavity  of  the 
pericardium  is  largely  filled  with  Avater,  it  is  scarcely  to  be  hoped  that  the 
animal  may  be  saved ;  but  even  in  that  case  the  course  here  prescribed 
should  be  adopted,  unless  there  is  some  more  general  disorder  under  such 
treatment  as  will  render  it  unnecessary  or  objectionable. 

II.    Dropsy  of  the  Brain. 

Causes. — The  remote  cause  of  this  disease  (known  also  as  hydrocepha- 
lus), is  some  constitutional  disorder  of  the  brain,  or  of  its  membranous 
covering — chiefly,  as  is  believed,  a  scrofulous  tendency.  The  immediate 
causes,  or  the  excitants  to  its  development,  are  various,  as  castration,  foot 
puncture,  staggers,  acute  diseases  of  the  stomach,  defective  nutrition,  etc. 

How  to  know  it. — At  first  an  unnatural  sleepiness  will  appear,  with  ap- 
parent unconsciousness  and  a  tendency  to  reel  when  moving  on  foot. 
The  pupil  of  the  eye  is  perceptibly  dilated  ;  the  animal  breathes  in  a 
hard  and  grunting  way ;  he  tosses  his  head  about  and  throws  it  upward 
or  backward,  as  though  in  much  pain.  When  down,  with  neck  lying 
prone,  as  is  often  the  case,  he  will  sometimes  raise  his  head,  then  drop  it 
spasmodically,  beating  it  upon  the  ground.  If  unrelieved,  convulsion* 
finally  set  in,  and  death  ensues. 

MVhat  to  do. — If  the  head  is  hot  with  fever,  denoting  an  acute  attack, 
aponge  frequently  with  cold  water,  and  see  that  the  bowels  are  kept  mod- 
erately open.  If  there  is  decided  constipation,  as  is  sometimes  the  case, 
use  an  injection  of  soap-suds  at  intervals,  until  the  bowels  are  moved. 
Then  give  the  following  in  doses  of  2  ounces,  morning  and  evening: 

No.  45.  4  Oz.  fluid  extract  of  buchu, 

2  Oz.  iodide  of  potassium, 
6  Oz.  water. 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  314 

Continue  this,  keeping  the  horse  from  labor  and  as  quiet  as  possible, 
until  all  symptoms  of  feverishness  disappear  from  about  the  head,  and 
the  unnatural  torpor  no  longer  manifests  itself. 

in.    Dropsy  of  the  Chest. 

Causes. — This  disease,  (called  also  hydrothorax),  is  frequently  the 
sequel  of  pleurisy,  and  is  the  result  of  the  inflamed  condition  of  the  large 
surfaces  of  the  covering  of  the  heart  and  lungs.  The  absorbents  are  in- 
adequate to  the  taking  up  of  the  abundant  effusion,  so  that  the  chest  is 
filled,  the  lungs  are  pressed  upon  and  death  by  suffocation  follows. 

How  to  know  It. — The  impaired  appetite  and  chilliness  of  the  ears  and 
legs  which  characterize  the  last  stage  of  pleurisy,  change  when  it  is  about 
to  assume  a  dropsical  form,  and  the  horse  becomes  more  lively,  his  appe- 
tite returns,  his  legs  and  ears  become  warm,  the  eyes  look  more  cheerful, 
and  his  manner  is  every  way  more  encouraging.  A  few  hours  after  this 
first  apparent  improvement,  however,  the  breathing  becomes  labored,  the 
muscles  quiver  and  twitch,  and  the  nostrils  flap.  The  animal  stands 
with  the  legs  wide  apart,  head  low,  or  resting  upon  something,  neck 
stretched  out,  eyes  staring,  and  the  motion  of  the  flanks  increased,  even 
brought  into  forcible  heaving  action.  The  pulse  is  more  frequent,  but 
small,  irregular  and  fluttering ;  and  the  nose,  ears  and  legs  become  cold 
again.  His  weakness  rapidly  increases,  and  if  not  relieved  the  animal 
dies,  sometimes  within  a  week,  though  he  may  linger  much  longer. 

The  disease  may  be  detected  in  its  early  stage,  or  immediately  after  the 
horse  has  shown  signs  of  relief  from  pleurisy,  by  placing  the  ear  to  the 
chest,  near  the  breast  bone.  If  the  dropsical  effusion  has  set  in,  the  ear 
will  detect  no  sound,  nor  will  any  be  detected  until  the  ear  is  placed  high 
up  the  shoulder  or  flank,  past  the  middle  of  the  ribs.  Holding  it  here, 
at  the  point  where  the  breathing  is  first  audible,  and  directing  a  slap  to  be 
made  on  the  other  side  with  the  open  hand,  the  examiner  will  hear  a  dull, 
splashing  noise  as  though  of  disturbed  water ;  and  there  need  be  no 
longer  any  doubt  as  to  the  nature  of  the  case. 

What  to  do. — In  the  first  place  adopt  the  use  of  diuretics  and  laxatives, 
that  the  various  organs  may  be  assisted  in  carrying  off  the  accumulated 
fluid.     For  the  first  day  give  every  six  or  eight  hours,  the  following  : 

No.  46.  4  Drachms  powdered  nitrate  of  potash, 

1  Fluid  ounce  tincture  of  cardamoms, 
10  Oz.  water. 

Mix  the  potash  and  water,  and  when  a  clear  solution  is  formed  add  the 
tincture,  and  give  from  the  bottle  twice  or  thrice  in  the  twenty-four  hours. 


316  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

On  the  second  day,  two  or  three  times  a  day  give  : 

'So.  47.  2  Fluid  ounces  solution  of  acetate  of  ammonia^ 

1  Oz.  nitrous  ether. 

Mix  with  water  and  administer  from  the  bottle. 

If  this  treatment  does  not  seem  to  be  giving  relief  at  the  end  of  threw 
to  five  days,  draw  off  the  liquid  by  tapping  the  chest.  It  is  a  simple  and 
safe  operation  and  will  give  relief  unless  treatment  has  been  too  long  de- 
layed, so  that  there  is  an  accumulation  of  substances  that  will  obstruct 
the  mouth  of  the  canula  and  prevent  the  flow  of  the  liquid.  The  instru- 
ment to  be  used,  the  trocar,  armed  with  a  stylet,  must  not  be  large,  as 
drawing  off  the  water  too  suddenly  would  prove  fatal.  The  smallest  of 
those  made  for  human  practice  is  large  enough,  but  it  must  be  of  greater 
length.  Having  the  instrument,  and  that  in  good  condition,  select  a  place 
behind  and  about  on  a  level  with  the  elbow,  and  take  a  small  portion  oi 
skin,  between  the  eighth  and  ninth  ribs,  which  must  be  pulled  forward. 
Then  make  a  narrow  slit  with  a  sharp  knife  upon  the  place  which  the 
skin  originally  covered.  Still  holding  the  skin  gathered  forward,  insert 
the  armed  trocar  into  this  opening  and  press  it  with  such  force  as  suffices 
to  push  it  gradually  onward  until  resistance  ceases.  It  is  then  within  the^ 
cavity  of  the  thorax,  and  the  stilet  must  be  ^vithdrawn,  whereupon  the 
water  usually  begins  to  flow  out.  Take  all  the  water  you  can  get  if  the 
horse  will  suffer  so  much  to  be  withdrawn ;  but  if  at  any  time  during  the 
operation  he  shows  signs  of  faintness,  withdraw  the  trocar  and  let  the 
skin  fly  back.  It  is  necessary  always  to  have  the  skin  drawn  forward  so 
that  on  returning  it  may  cover  the  wound  lest  the  air  may  enter  the  chest 
from  the  outside,  which  would  prove  quickly  fatal.  In  an  hour  or  two 
after  the  first  attempt  a  second  may  be  made  but  the  trocar  must  be  in- 
serted in  a  new  place,  as  the  first  wound  might  be  irritated  by  an  effort 
to  re-insert  the  instrument. 

There  is  sometimes  apprehension  lest  this  operation  may  injure  an 
artery  by  approaching  too  near  the  posterior  border  of  a  rib,  but  this  is 
groundless,  as  the  artery  is  protected  by  the  groove  through  which  it 
travels. 

If  the  trocar  is  properly  inserted,  and  no  water  flows,  the  case  may  b» 
regarded  as  well  nigh  hopeless.  A  whalebone  may  be  inserted  to  break 
away  the  pus  or  whatever  substance  may  line  the  thorax,  but  this  is  not 
known  to  have  ever  resulted  in  any  good. 

If  there  is  fluid  on  both  sides,  it  should  be  drawn  off  on  both  sides  at 
the  same  time,  to  prevent  pressure  upon  the  delicate  divisions  of  the 
■ihest.     The  fluid  is  generally  confined,  however,  to  one  side. 

The  operator  should  stay  by  the  animal  during  the  slow  abstraction  ol 


THE   HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  317 

the  water,  so  that  upon  any  sign  of  faintness  he  may  withdraw  the  trocar 
and  prevent  death  through  sudden  collapse. 

After  the  water  is  pretty  thoroughly  drawn  off,  be  careful  to  give  the 
patient  as  much  nourishing  and  carefully  prepared  food  as  he  will  con- 
«ume  ;  and  the  following  tonic  ball  should  be  administered  night  and 
waorning  for  several  times  on  alternate  days  : 

No.  48.  1  Drachm  iodide  of  irou, 

>i  Grain  strychnia, 
}i  Drachm  sulphate  of  zinc. 
4  Drachms  extract  of  gentian. 

rV.    Dropsy  of  the  Skin  of  the  Chest. 

dauses. — This  is  an  effusion  of  fluid  underneath  the  sWin  of  the  chest  \ 
and  it  is  a  sequel  to  various  diseases — beginning  generally  to  manifest 
itself  only  after  the  animal  is  reduced  to  a  debilitated  state.  It  is  most 
likely  to  occur  in  the  Spring  and  in  the  Fall  of  the  y^-ar,  at  the  time  of 
changing  the  coat. 

How  to  Know  it. — A  swelling  appears  on  the  ckiest  and  somewhat 
between  the  forelegs ;  and  its  dropsical  character  may  be  known  by  ita 
yielding  to  pressure  of  the  fingers  with  a  fluctuating  feeling. 

What  to  do. — If  it  is  the  accompaniment  of  any  more  general  disorder 
the  first  thing,  of  course,  is  to  remove  that  primary  disease.  Meanwhile 
if  the  fluid  accumulates  in  any  considerable  quantity,  draw  it  off  with  the 
trocar;  and  if  there  is  not  too  much  soreness,  subject  the  part  to  regular 
and  moderately  vigorous  friction  occasionally  for  some  days. 

Diuretics  are  always  good  in  these  dropsical  complaints.  No.  45  is 
good.  It  is  important  that  the  bowels  be  kept  regular,  and  that  good 
nutritious  food,  as  boiled  oats  or  boiled  barley,  with  wheat  bran,  be  given 
regularly,  and  in  sufficient  quantity  to  nourish  well.  Give  4  drs.  of 
gentian  every  other  day  for  a  week  or  two. 

It  must  be  remembered  that  these  medicines  are  to  be  given  only  m 
case  there  is  no  treatment  in  progress  for  a  more  general  disorder, 

V.    Dropsy  of  the  Scrotnm. 

Causes. — This  is  usually  found  in  connection  with  dropsy  of  the  abdo- 
men, and  arises  from  either  local  injury  and  consequent  inflammation, 
followed  by  effusion,  or  by  sympathy  from  that  cause  which  has  produced 
the  general  abdominal  trouble. 

How  to  Know  it. — It  is  readily  known  by  a  chronic  distension  of  the 
part,  except  when  mistaken  for  scrotal  hernia  or  rupture,  from  which  it 


318  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 

may  be  distinguished  by  its  not  passing  back  with  a  sudden  movement, 
■when  pressed  with  the  fingers,  but  with  a  steady  current  and  gi'adual 
diminution 

What  to  do. — If  it  is  associated  with  dropsy  of  the  abdomen  treat  that 
first,  and  until  it  is  relieved,  without  which  being  done  it  is  unnecessary 
to  attempt  the  cure  of  the  more  local  and  dependent  disorder.  In  any 
event,  find  out,  if  possible,  and  remove  the  primary  cause.  Next  see  to 
it  that  the  bowels  of  the  patient  are  kept  moderately  active  ;  and  as  in 
the  case  of  dropsy  of  the  abdomen,  give  sufficient  of  diuretic  No.  45,  to 
act  freely  upon  the  kidneys. 

If  the  fluid  has  accumulated  in  any  considerable  quantity,  so  as  to 
render  the  scrotum  painful  by  distension,  draw  it  off  mth  a  fine  armed 
trocar,  or  a  hypodermic  syringe,  and  support  the  parts  with  an  elastic 
bandage. 

VI.   Dropsy  of  the  Abdomen. 

Causes. — This  is  a  collection  of  water  in  the  abdomen  which  is  gener- 
ally the  result  of  chronic  inflammation  of  the  peritoneum,  a  tough,  white 
membrane  which  lines  the  abdomen  and  embraces  the  bowels  in  its  folds. 
"When  this  inflammation  has  assumed  a  chronic  condition,  the  peritoneum 
secretes  a  watery  fluid,  because  of  long  obstructed  circulation,  which  fills 
the  cavity,  and  unless  attended  to  will  finally  cause  death. 

Frequently  it  follows  injuries  of  the  abdominal  walls,  when  the  perito- 
neum has  been  subjected  to  violence,  and  is  associated  with  local  inflam- 
mation of  the  muscular  tissues,  from  which  effusion  is  directed  inward. 

Sometimes  it  arises  from  obstructed  circulation  caused  by  diseases  of 
the  liver,  lungs  or  heart,  and  again  from  a  poor,  watery  state  of  the 
blood,  superinduced  by  exhaustion  or  by  scanty  and  innutritions  food. 

It  is  more  frequently  found  in  old  than  in  young  and  vigorous  animals. 

How  to  know  it. — Generally,  a  low  state  of  health  precedes  the  more 
unmistakal)le  manifestations  ;  there  is  thirst  and  loss  of  appetite ;  the 
pulse  is  hard  and  small ;  the  membrane  of  the  nose  is  pale ;  the  mouth 
is  dry  ;  the  head  droops  ;  there  is  a  condition  of  weakness  and  languor ; 
and  there  are  some  signs  of  heart  and  liver  diseases  ;  pressure  upon  the 
abdomen  is  so  painful  as  to  cause  a  groan.  Sometimes  there  is  local 
dropsy  of  the  sheath,  legs  and  breast,  as  well  as  of  the  belly.  The 
bowels  are  apt  to  be  constipated,  but  are  sometimes  irregular ;  and  the 
coat  is  loose  and  staring. 

When  the  water  has  begun  to  fill  the  cavity,  the  horse  manifests  a  de- 
sire to  lie  down  and  remain  long  in  one  position  ;  there  is  a  gradual 
enlargement  of  the  abdomen,  and  as  the  fluid  increases  there  is  increased 


THE    HORSE,  ITS    DISEASES.  31f 

difficulty  in  breathing.  In  the  chronic  stages  of  the  disease,  the  progress 
is  slow ;  but  the  belly  becomes  more  and  more  baggy ;  and  in  some  in- 
stances the  hair  of  the  tail  comes  away  easily  or  drops  out,  showing  that 
the  skin  and  capillary  glands  of  that  part  of  the  body  are  affected. 

The  presence  of  water,  when  it  has  collected  in  any  considerable  quan- 
tity, may  be  detected  by  placing  the  ear  to  the  abdomen  and  having  some 
one  slap  the  horse  on  the  opposite  side  with  the  open  palm. 

In  mares,  this  enlargement  of  the  belly  is  sometimes  mistaken  for  a 
pregnant  condition  ;  but  it  may  be  readily  distinguished  by  a  fluctuating 
feeling  which  follows  a  pressure  upon  the  parts  with  the  fingers,  a  sort  of 
fluid  motion,  as  of  water  forcibly  displaced. 

What  to  do. — If  it  is  known  to  proceed  from  local  injuries,  or  from 
diseases  of  the  vital  organs,  it  is  scarcely  necessary  to  adopt  any  course 
of  treatment,  unless,  indeed,  the  primary  disease  can  itself  be  removed; 
but  when  it  depends  upon  inflammation  of  the  peritoneum,  or  when  it 
results  from  bad  or  deficient  food  and  unwholesome  surroundings,  place 
the  horse  in  a  good,  dry  and  well-ventilated  stall,  feed  him  generously, 
Mud  give  him  the  following  tonic  ball,  night  and  morning : 

No.  49^  1  Oz.  powdered  digitalis, 

}i  Oz.  sulphate  of  iron. 

Mix  with  mucilage  and  a  spoonful  of  linseed  meal  to  form  a  ball  of 
sufficient  firmness  for  handling. 

It  is  important  that  the  kidneys  should  be  kept  active,  and  the  follow- 
ing diuretic  must  be  used  for  that  purpose  : 

Noo  50.  2  Pounds  soap, 

2  Pounds  nitrate  of  potash, 

3  Pounds  rosin, 

2  Pounds  Venice  turpentine, 
yi  Pint  oil  of  turpentine, 

Melt  the  soap  and  rosin  slowly  together,  and  stir  in  the  other  ingredi- 
ents while  the  former  mixture  is  cooling.  Make  it  into  2-ounce  balls 
with  linseed  meal,  and  give  one  at  a  time  as  often  as  necessary  to  keep 
up  a  somewhat  copious  action  of  the  kidneys. 

If  at  any  time  the  water  accumulates  in  a  great  quantity,  drav  it  off 
by  means  of  a  fine  trocar,  plunged  into  the  most  dependent  or  lowest 
part  of  the  distended  abdomen. 


CHAPTER  V. 


PISEASES  OF  THE  THBOAT,  CHEST  AND  LUNGS. 


CHK8fT-rOUND«R.  -- —  ir.   BRONCHITIS.  III.  PNKUMONIA,     OR    INFLAMMATIOii     OF    THB 

LUNGS. IV.  CONSUMPTION, V.  PLEURISY. VI.  COLDS. VU.  ENLARGED  GLANDS. 

VIII.  SWELLED  THROAT,  OR    LARYNGITIS.  IX.  CHRONIC     COUGH.  X.  MALIGNANT 

EPIDEMIC. XI.  DIFFICULTY  OP  BREATHING. XII.   BROKEN  WIND,  —  BELLOWS,  — » 

HEAVES. XIII.  INFLUENZA. XIV.   PINK    EYE. XV.   BLEEDING    FROM    THE    NOSE. 

XVI.  STRANGLES. XVII.  SPASMODIC  ACTION  OF  THE  GLOTTIS  AND  EPIGLOTTIS. 


I.    Chest-Pounder. 


This  when  it  is  not  soreness  of  the  muscles  from  hard  work,  is  rheu- 
matism in  its  acute  form.  Sometimes  it  is  caused  by  lesion,  or  straining 
of  the  muscles  or  the  tendons  connected  with  them. 

Causes- — It  may  be  brought  on  by  suddenly  allowing  the  horse  to 
become  chilled  after  heating,  giving  large  drafts  of  cold  water  when 
warm,  or  driving  him  into  cold  water  up  to  his  belly  when  heated. 

How  to  know  it. — The  horse  is  dull ;  his  coat  may  be  staring ;  he 
is  stiff,  and  moves  unwillingly.  Sometimes  the  soreness  extends  to  the 
limbs  ;  usually  does  from  sympathy.  There  is  fever  in  the  parts  affected 
and  accelerated  pulse,  the  latter  from  70  to  80  beats  in  a  minute.  Also, 
sometimes  profuse  sweating  and  heaving  at  the  flanks,  but  the  legs  will 
remain  warm.  The  parts  affected  may  be  more  or  less  swollen,  but 
always  tender  to  the  touch. 

What  to  do. — Clothe  the  horse  warmly,   and  put  him  where  he  may 
be  kept  so.     If  the  animal  is  fat,  and  full  of  blood  ;  if  there  is  evident 
determination  of  blood,  bleed  moderately,  say  a  pint  from  the  neck  vein. 
320 


THE   HORSE,    ITS   DISEASES. 


321 


We  never,  however,  advise  bleeding,  except  by  a  veterinary  surgeon  or 
physician  who  knows  his  business.  Wash  the  throat  in  warm  salt  and 
water.  Relieve  the  bowels  as  soon  as  possible  by  an  injection  of  soap 
suds,  if  the  rectum  be  impacted.  Give  as  a  laxative  4  drachms  Barbae 
does  aloes.  Pulverize  and  mix  into  a  ball  with  molasses  and  linseed  meal 
to  form  a  mass   or  give  the  following : 


No.  51. 


>i  Oz.  ground  ginger, 
1  Drachm  tartar  emetic, 
1  Pint  salt  and  water. 


Mix  and  give  as  warm  as  the  horse  can  swallow  it.  As  a  rule  the 
horse  being  thoroughly  physicked  will  get  better ;  if  not,  apply  a  mild 
blister. 


No.  62. 


1  Oz.  powdered  cantharidea, 
8  Oz.  lard  oil. 


Heat  to  blood  heat  and  mix  thoroughly.  Shave  the  hair  from  tha 
breast,  wash  with  warm  vinegar  and  apply  the  mixture  rubbing  it  well  in. 
When  the  blisters  rise  dress  with  a  plaster  of  mutton  tallow. 


A  FIT  SUBJBCT  FOR  FOUNDER  OR  BRONCHITIS. 

n.    Bronchitis. 

Causes. — Exposure  of  a  heated  and  steaming  hcrse  to  chill,  or  orer 
•xertion,  and  leaving  the  horse  in  the  stable,  when  the  system  is  quite 
relaxed.  Ridins:  to  town  and  leaving  a  horse  in  the  cold  and  wind  while 
the  owner  is  making  himself  comfortable.  There  is  first  a  cold,  enlarged 
glands  and  swelled  throat.     The  inflammation  extends  down  from  the 


522 


ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 


larynx  through  the  trachea  into  the  bronchial  tubes  and  air  passages  trf 
the  lungs,  and  ends  sometimes  in  confirmed  and  incurable  bronchitis. 

How  to  know  it. — In  the  acute  stage  there  is  difficulty  and  rapidity 
of  breathing,  from  the  filling  of  the  membranes  with  blood  and  the  con 
sequent  diminishing  of  the  size  of  the  tube.  After  a  time  mucus  is 
formed  and  increases  the  difficulty  of  breathing  and  causes  a  cough.  The 
pulse  will  be  60  or  70  beats  per  minute  ;  the  cough  will  become  hard  and 
dry,  and  the  sound  in  the  throat  will  be  rattling,  and  after  the  secretion 
of  mucus  a  gurgling  sound  will  be  given  similar  to  that  made  in  blowing 
soap  bubbles.  In  extreme  cases  the  breathing  becomes  extremely  labori- 
ous, the  cough  is  constant  and  distressing,  the  legs  are  extended,  and  at 
length  the  animal  dies  of  suffocation. 


A  H0R3B  DRBSSED  FOR  BRONCHITIS. 


What  to  do. — The  first  step  is  to  find  the  extent  of  the  inflammation. 
Never  bleed.  Clothe  the  animal  warmly  and  give  an  injection  of  warm 
water  to  relieve  the  bowels.  Avoid  all  strong  purgatives.  In  fact,  givb 
none  unless  the  bowels  are  decidedly  bound  up.  Let  the  food  be  soft  and 
laxative,  green  grass  in  Summer,  or  mashes  and  gruels  in  Winter.  For  the 
throat,  scalded  soft  hay,  fastened  by  means  of  the  eight  tailed  bandages, 
will  be  good.  Wash  the  neck  and  chest  with  a  weak  decoction  of  tobacco 
as  hot  as  it  can  be  borne.  When  dry,  shave  the  hair  from  the  chest  and 
apply  a  blister  of  better  strength  than  that  advised  for  chest  founder 
The  following  will  be  good  : 


No.  53. 


1  Ounce  powdered  cantharides, 
1  Ounce  powdered  resin, 
4  Ounces  lard  oil. 


Melt  the  resin  and  lard  together,  with  just  sufficient  heat  to  melt  xxm 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  32S 

reein.  Add  the  cantharides  and  stir  until  it  sets  together.  Apply  to  the 
chest  and  throat  if  the  case  is  desperate.  If  only  irritation  is  desired  the 
following  will  be  good  : 

No.  54  4  Ounces  lard  oil, 

1  Ounce  turpentine,  -* 

6  Drachms  powdered  cantharides. 

Shave  the  hair  and  apply  by  rubbing  in. 

For  the  body  prepare  a  strong  cloth  as  shown  on  preceding  page.  Get 
two  pieces  of  flannel  three  yards  long  and  the  full  width  of  the  fabric, 
also  four  pieces  half  a  yard  long  and  a  foot  wide.  Saturate  one  of  the 
pieces  with  cold  water,  fold,  and  apply  near  the  top  of  the  back,  equally 
on  each  side.  Two  of  the  smaller  pieces  are  to  be  saturated  with  water 
and  laid  along  the  sides  of  the  chest,  fasten  the  jacket  at  the  back  so  as 
to  hold  all  snug.  When  the  flannels  are  warm  remove  them  and  replace 
immediately  with  others.  So  continue  for  two  or  three  hours  as  the  case 
may  be,  and  then  allow  them  to  remain  until  the  animal  is  pretty  well 
recovered. 

In  very  aggravated  cases  of  congestion  give  every  half  hour  until  the 
pulse  regains  its  tone,  and  then  at  longer  intervals,  reduced  at  last  to 
once  a  day,  the  following : 

iTo.  55.  1  Ounce  sulphuric  ether, 

1  Ounce  laudanunqu 
1  Pint  water. 

At  the  third  dose  discontinue  if  the  effect  required  is  not  produced  and 
give  the  following : 

No.  56.  yi  Drachm  of  solid  belladonna, 

y^  Pint  of  warm  water. 

Rub  down  the  belladonna  with  the  warm  water.  Give  this  exclusivelr 
every  hour  until  the  pulse  is  better,  then  withdraw  half  the  laudanum  and  n<l<) 
half  a  drachm  of  belladonna  to  the  drink  first  recommended  (No.  55),  rc- 
suming  it  as  directed.  Let  the  food  be  thick  gruel  of  oatmeal,  boikd 
potatoes,  and  oatmeal  and  bran  mashes.  Give  no  dry,  and  especially  no 
dirty  food.  When  the  animal  begins  to  recover  so  as  to  eat  whole  grain, 
grass  and  hay,  let  them  be  especially  freed  from  dust,  and  let  them  be 
given  moistened,  until  the  horse  be  perfectly  recovered 

If  the  disease  is  to  terminate  fatally,  the  pulse  will  grow  quick  and 
tremulous.  In  drawing  the  breath  the  body  will  quiver,  showing  increas- 
ing difficulty  and  pain.  The  membrane  of  the  nose  becomes  of  a  blui'^'i 
tint  with  frothy  blood  and  purulent  matter  about  the  nostrils.  The 
21 


524 


ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 


respiration,  will  become  more  and  more  difficult,  and  the  cough  mocA 
distressing,  and  continuing  until  a  quantity  of  fluid  matter  is  ejected  from 
the  nostrils,  only  again  and  again  to  be  resumed.  Thus  the  animal  suffers 
Jind  dies,  or  else  slowly  recovers,  remaining  through  life  with  the  cough 
•f  incurable  bronchitis. 


A  COUGH   OP  INCURABLE    BKONCHITIS. 

in.    Pneumonia,  or  Inflammation  of  the  Lungs. 

This  may  follow  acute  congestion  of  the  lungs,  this  being  really  it» 
first  stage,  though  often  not  noticed,  by  the  ordinary  observer,  as  such. 
But  congestion  may  occur  in  its  sudden  and  fatal  form  from  overtaxing 
a  fat  horse,  or  one  otherwise  out  of  condition.  Suppose  from  hard 
driving  or  hard  riding  he  hangs  heavily  on  the  bit ;  droops  and  staggers  j 


A  CASE  OF  CONGESTION. 


If  not  pulled  up  he  may  fall ;  or  getting  to  the  stable  he  stands  witt 
dilated  nostrils,  extended  head,  quick,  convulsive  or  labored  breathing, 
eyes  staring  and  bloodshot,  his  nasal  membrane  deep  red  or  blue,  an| 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES. 


32a 


pulse  rapid  and  weak  ;  if  in  putting  the  ear  to  the  chest  there  is  a  loud 
respiratory  murmur  with  crepitation  (a  peculiar  slight  cracking  sound)  ; 
if  the  heart,  as  felt  behind  the  left  elbow,  is  beating  tumultuously  ;  if 
the  limbs  are  cold,  with  persj^iration  breaking  out  on  different  parts  of 
the  body,  there  is  no  time  to  lose.  In  extreme  cases  bleed  at  once  from 
the  neck  vein.  The  blood  will  be  turbid,  dark,  almost  jelly-like  in  very 
bad  cases. 

Eemove  everything  from  the  animal  that  may  impede  breathing,  and 
allow  him  plenty  of  fresh  air.  Give  an  active  stimulant,  the  easiest  to 
be  had  ;  whisky,  four  or  five  ounces,  or  a  tumbler  full  in  a  half  pint  of 
water.  If  this  cannot  be  had  give  an  ounce  of  ground  ginger  in  a  pint 
of  water,  or  a  half  ounce  of  oil  of  turpentine  in  half  a  tumbler  of 
water.  Give  also  warm  water  injections  to  relieve  the  bowels,  and  also 
active  hand  rubbing  of  the  legs  to  promote  circulation  to  the  surface, 
while  the  body  is  enveloped  in  blankets  wrung  out  of  hot  water,  and 
covered  with  dry  ones.  If  the  patient  does  not  soon  recover  under  this 
treatment  the  case  will  be  one  of  pneumonia. 

How  to  know  it. — If  the  disease  does  not  succeed  to  the  symptoms  we 
have  just  described,  those  of  acute  congestion,  there  will  be  a  chill  with 
shivering,  and  generally  a  dry  cough,  but  deep  as  though  from  the  chest. 
There  will  be  a  hot  skin,  indicating  fever,  quick-labored  breathing,  a  full 
but  oppressed  pulse.  The  membranes  of  the  eyes,  nose  and  mouth  will 
be  red,  and  as  the  disease  advances  a  yellowish  or  whitish  matter  will 
come  from  the  nostrils.  The  horse  will  always  stand  with  the  legs  wide 
apart ;  so  will  the  ox  in  bad  cases, 
and  the  latter  will  moan  with  each  ex- 
piration of  the  breath.  Generally 
the  ox  will  lie  down.  There  will  be 
crepitation  of  the  lungs  about  the 
seat  of  the  disease,  and  a  more  than 
normal  murmur  upon  applying  the 
ear.  By  percussion,  striking  the  af- 
fected parts,  there  will  be  flinching 
and  even  groaning,  but  except  at  the 
seat  of  the  disease  the  chest  will  re- 
tain its  healthy  sound,  while  the  dis- 
eased parts  will  sound  dull  and  solid. 
Thus,  by  the  ear,  and  sounding  by 
the  hand,  the  progress  of  the  solidi- 
fication of  the  lungs  may  be  followed  from  day  to  day. 

What  to  do. — Under  the  advice  of  a  veterinary  surgeon  or  physician, 
blood  may  be  drawn.     If  none  such  are  near,  if  the  animal  be  young  ani' 


THB  POSITION  ASSUMED  BY  THE  HOR8S 
DUBINO  AN  ATTACK  OF  PNKUMONIA. 


526  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

plethoric,  blood  may  be  drawn  in  the  earlier  stages.  Place  the  animal  In 
a  loo?*  box  stall,  with  plenty  of  ventilation  to  the  stable.  If  the  bowels 
are  costive,  loosen  them  by  injections  of  warm  water.  Bandage  th* 
limbs  to  keep  them  warm,  and  give  the  body  such  clothing  as  the  neces- 
lities  of  the  case  seem  to  require.  Let  the  food  be  simple,  laxative  an(i 
cooling.  Bran  mashes,  boiled  carrots,  linseed  meal,  soft  sweet  hay.  Do 
not  check  diarrhoea  or  profuse  staling ;  it  is  an  effort  of  nature  to  relieve 
the  system.  If  there  is  fever,  give  plenty  of  water.  If  there  is  swift 
pulse  and  oppression  of  the  lungs,  give  20  to  30  drops  of  tincture  of 
aconite  in  half  a  pint  of  water,  or  1  to  2  drachms  of  tincture  of  veratrum 
in  water  every  two  hours.  If  under  this  treatment  the  system  becomes 
depressed,  and  it  must  be  watched,  discontinue.  If  the  pulse  falls — ^if 
there  is  trembling  sweats,  and  a  peculiar  anxious  expression  in  the  eyes, 
discontinue.  If  there  is  great  exhaustion,  give  moderate  doses  of  whisky, 
but  discontinue  it  unless  good  effects  are  seen.  If  there  is  much  weak- 
ness, give  two  drachms  each  of  camphor  and  of  carbonate  of  ammonia, 
made  into  a  ball  with  molasses  and  linseed  meal,  twice  a  day.  In  the 
case  of  considerable  congestion,  strong  mustard  poultices  will  be  indi-» 
cated,  to  be  applied  to  the  chest ;  or  in  extreme  cases,  blister. 

In  the  case  of  cattle,  the  same  general  treatment  should  be  followed. 
Double  the  quantity  of  aconite  and  ammonia  should  be  given.  As  a  rule, 
cattle  require  more  than  the  horse;  and  in  giving  medicine  to  cattle  it 
must  trickle  down  the  throat,  in  order  that  it  may  not  pass  into  the  first 
stomach. 

In  this  disease  symptoms  must  be  watched.  Good  nursing  is  of  espe- 
cial value,  and  as  the  animal  begins  to  recover,  give  soft  and  easily 
digestible  food,  and  assist  the  system  if  necessary  with  wine,  ale  or 
whisky  in  very  light  doses. 

IV.    Consumption. 

This  hereditary  affection  is  much  more  common  in  the  West  than  is 
generally  supposed.  More  common  in  cattle  and  even  in  sheep  and 
swine  than  in  horses.  In  horses  it  is  comparatively  rare.  The  disease 
may  be  communicated  to  healthy  animals  by  inoculation,  and  by  eating 
the  raw  flesh  of  diseased  animals,  and  it  may  also  be  superinduced  in  an- 
imals predisposed  to  the  disease  by  local  inflammation  ;  so  also  the  germs 
nay  be  received  in  milk,  when  the  disease  has  invaded  the  mammary 
glands  of  the  cow.  Deep  milking  cattle  with  narrow  horns,  thin  necka 
and  narrow  chests  are  especially  predisposed  to  the  disease.  Tubercles 
may  be  developed  in  any  part  of  the  body,  even,  in  rare  cases,  the  bones 
and  muscles  ;  the  lungs,  the  spleen,  the  liver,  the  paflcreas,  the  ovaries 
and  the  kidneys  are  the  usual  seats  of  the  disease. 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  327 

Causes.  —Badly  constructed  and  illy  ventilated  stables  ;  moving  from  a 
^arm  to  a  cold  climate  ;  exposure  to  cold  and  wet ;  or  any  thing  which 
tends  to  lower  the  health  in  a  predisposed  animal  will  bring  on  the  disease. 

How  to  Know  it. — The  disease  may  be  acute,  carrying  off  the  animal, 
sometimes,  in  a  few  weeks.  It  is  generally  chronic.  The  attack  is  insid<» 
lous,  tubercles  often  being  formed  before  danger  is  suspected.  There  is 
a  general  dullness  and  loss  of  spirit,  tenderness  of  the  withers,  back,  loins, 
and  of  the  walls  of  the  chest.  In  cattle  the  nose  will  often  be  dry,  show- 
ing fever ;  the  ears  and  horns  will  be  hot ;  the  skin  loses  its  elasticity  and 
pliant  quality.  The  heat  of  the  body  may  go  up  to  102  degi*ees  ;  the 
pulse  is  weak  but  accelerated,  and  there  is  a  slight,  dry,  but  not  frequent 
cough  ;  the  lymphatic  glands  about  the  throat  may  be  enlarged  and  there 
may  be  swelling  of  the  joints.  If  the  chest  is  sounded  there  may  be 
heard  a  murmuring  sound  hoarser  than  natural,  if  it  be  listened  for  just 
ovel  the  lower  end  of  the  wind  pipe  or  in  the  chest.  As  the  disease  ad- 
vances, the  eyes  become  more  and  more  smiken,  the  skin  becomes  more 
and  more  hide  bound,  the  hair  is  dry  and  erect.  If  the  bowels  are 
involved  there  will  be  more  or  less  scouring,  and  if  the  lungs  are  prin- 
cipally  affected  there  will  be  swelling  and  lameness,  labored  breathing, 
exhaustion  and  profuse  perspiration  occurrmg  uj)on  the  slightest  exercise. 
There  will  be  temporary  windy  distention  of  the  stomach  after  feeding, 
and  the  appetite  fails.  The  cough  increases  with  rattling,  the  discharge 
at  first  light,  increases.  There  is  crepitation  (a  rattling  or  snapping 
«ound)  of  the  lungs,  with  a  whirring  or  gurgling  of  the  chest,  and  percus- 
sion gives  a  dull  sound,  with  wincing  when  the  parts  covering  them  are 
handled.  So  if  tubercles  are  formed  in  the  liver,  pancreas,  or  kidneys  it 
will  show  the  involvement  of  these  parts.  Recoveries  are  rare.  Occasion- 
ally calcification  of  the  tubercles  occurs  in  animals  naturally  of  a  strong 
constitution,  but  the  disease  usually  ends  in  death. 

What  to  do. — A  cure  is  scarcely  ever  accomplished.  The  symptoms 
may  be  mitigated.  The  animal  must  have  dry,  pure  air,  plenty  of  sun-, 
shine,  Summer  and  Winter,  and  be  protected  from  sudden  changes,  and 
must  be  kept  warm.  The  food  should  be  light  and  digestible,  good  grass 
in  Summer  and  ground  food  with  linseed  meal  and  roots  in  Winter.  In 
the  early  stages  of  the  disease  four  to  five  drachms  of  gentian  may  be 
given  daily  in  the  food,  at  two  or  three  doses,  alternated  with  two  drachm* 
of  sulphate  of  iron  as  a  tonic.  As  an  expectorant,  and  diaphoretic,  give 
occasionally  three  to  four  ounces  flowers  of  sulphur  every  other  day,  or 
once  in  three  days,  or  to  act  on  the  skin  and  as  a  diuretic,  the  following: 

JTo.  67.  2  Ounces  of  flowers  of  sulphur. 

2  To  3  three  drachms  powdered  resm. 


3!28  ILLUSTRATED     STOCK    DOCTOR. 

Mix  and  give  a  dose  daily  until  the  effect  is  produced ;  and  afterwards 
as  needed.  As  an  antiseptic  (to  counteract  putresence)  the  fumes  of 
burning  sulphur  would  be  indicated. 

How  to  Prevent. — From  Avhat  we  have  written  the  owner  will  under- 
stand the  difficulty  attending  the  treatment  of  this  disease,  and  also  its 
dangerous  character  in  the  case  of  cattle.  The  flesh  and  milk  it  is  better 
not  to  use  at  all,  although  danger  can  be  destroyed  by  the  most  thorough 
cooking.  Using  consumptive  animals  as  breeders,  or  selling  the  milk  of 
consumptive  animals  should  not  be  thought  of.  Drainage,  good  pastur- 
age, a  warm,  sunny  location  for  the  stables  and  yards,  care  against  all 
chronic  and  debilitating  diseases,  good,  liberal  feeding,  especially  when 
animals  are  giving  milk,  the  prompt  removal  of  all  consumptive  animals 
from  pastures  and  buildings,  and  the  thorough  fumigation  of  the  latter  is 
recommended. 

V.    Pleurisy. 

This  is  an  inflammation  of  the  membrane  lining  of  the  chest  and 
covering  of  the  lungs.  It  is  common  to  all  domestic  animals,  in  exposed 
situations  and  those  liable  to  rheumatism.  The  pleura  is  one  of  the  serous 
membranes,  those  lining  close  cavities,  as  the  chest,  abdomen  and  joints. 
In  health  they  are  insensible  to  us,  but  under  the  effects  of  inflammation 
the  most  sensitive  and  painful  possible.  Since  every  inspiration  and 
expiration  of  the  breath  moves  these  membranous  linings  upon  each  other, 
Ave  can  at  once  see  the  extreme  anguish  it  must  occasion.  If  relief  is 
not  soon  obtained  the  disease  quickly  ends  in  death. 

How  to  know  Pleurisy. — There  will  be  some  alternations  of  shivering 
followed  by  heat  of  the  skin,  sometimes  extending  to  the  limbs.  There 
will  be  localized  sweating  and  congestion  of  the  muscles.  If  confined  to 
one  side  the  foot  of  that  side  will  be  extended.  The  animal  will  look  at 
the  flank,  lie  down,  rise  again,  and  there  will  be  general  uneasiness  indi- 
cative of  pain.  The  pulse  will  be  quick  and  hard,  seeming  to  strike  the 
finger  under  the  comi)ression.  There  will  be  inclination  to  cough,  but 
which  the  animal  will  fear  to  exercise.  The  cough  is  not  always  present, 
but  when  so,  is  always  suppressed,  short  and  hacking.  The  breathing 
will  be  hurried,  but  apparently  confined  to  the  abdominal  nmscles,  the 
inspiration  short  and  checked,  but  the  expiration  slow  and  prolonged. 
In  pneumonia  and  bronchitis  there  is  often  intense  redness  of  the 
nose,  in  pleurisy  less.  There  is  no  nasal  discharge  and  the  heat  of  the 
breath  is  not  so  great  as  in  pneumonia.  After  effusion  of  serum  (fluid 
matter  or  water)  into  the  cavity  of  the  chest  ensues,  which  may  be  in  24 
©r  36  hours,  the  pulse  becomes  soft,  and  the  animal  seems  better.     If 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  S2h 

the  effusion  is  re-absorbed  the  animal  will  recover.  If  not,  the  pulse 
loses  its  full  tone,  and  again  becomes  hard  and  quick.  The  breathing  is 
again  difficult  and  attended  with  lifting  of  the  flank  and  loin.  The  nose 
and  head  is  extended,  the  nostrils  are  dilated,  with  signs  of  suifocation. 
The  pulse  at  length  becomes  weak,  thrilling  at  each  beat  until  at  length 
the  animal  wavers,  staggers,  falls  and  dies. 

An  attack  of  pleurisy  is  often  taken  by  those  unacquainted  with  the 
disease  for  spasmodic  colic.  This  error,  if  made,  will  probably  be  fatal 
to  the  animal  affected.  In  colic  the  pulse  is  natural  at  the  commence- 
ment, and  the  paroxysms  of  pain  are  of  short  duration.  In  pleurisy  the 
artery  is  thin,  the  pulsations  seem  to  strike  the  fingers,  but  the  stroke  is 
*hort.     The  pain  is  continuous,  the  body  hot,  but  the  feet  generally  cold. 

What  to  do. — The  same  general  care  as  in  bronchitis  and  inflammation 
of  the  lungs  is  to  be  observed.  If  there  is  a  chill,  wrap  the  horse  com- 
pletely in  blankets  wrung  out  of  hot  water,  and  cover  with  dry  ones. 
When  removed, do  so  a  little  at  a  time,  rubbing  dry,  and  re-clothe  warmly. 
If  iaken  in  its  earliest  stage,  give  : 

No.  58.  >i  Ounce  laudanum, 

^  Pint  linseed  oil. 

This  will  often  prove  effective  ;  if  not,  repeat  the  dose  in  a  few  hours 
For  an  ox,  give  double  this  dose.  If  the  symptoms  increase,  apply  a 
strong  mustard  poultice  to  the  side  of  the  chest,  or  a  blister.  No.  53 
may  be  applied  to  the  chest.  The  bowels  should  be  kept  mod-erately 
open.  If  effusion  of  water  takes  place,  give  6  drachms  of  acetate  of 
potassa  once  or  twice  a  day  in  a  pail  of  water.  The  following  will  be 
found  excellent  in  place  of  the  last  named  remedy,  if  there  is  weakness 
*nd  a  rapid  pulse  (70  to  80),  and  scanty  urine : 

¥0.  59.  K  Ounce  tincture  of  chloride  of  iron, 

}i  pail  water. 
Give  as  a  drink  twice  daily. 

The  effusion  of  water  not  jdelding,  the  chest  may  be  tapped  with  a 
trochar.  Divide  the  skin  with  a  lancet,  between  the  eighth  and  ninth 
rib  and  near  the  lower  end.  Be  careful  the  air  does  not  enter.  Draw 
•ff  only  a  part  of  the  water  if  it  produces  a  shock.  In  this,  one  should 
have  the  advice  of  a  veterinarian.  Repeat  in  24  to  48  hours.  The  ani- 
mal should  be  kept  up  with  sulphate  of  iron,  two  drachms,  twice  a  day, 
in  water,  with  stimulants  and  easily  digestible  and  nutritious  food. 

It  is  absolutely  necessary,  after  effusion  of  water  has  taken  place,  that 
the  urine  should  be  passed  freely  to  assist  absorption.  To  this  end  th« 
following  will  be  indicated  : 


330  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK   DOCTOR. 

No.  90.  1  Drachm  iodide  of  potassium, 

1  Drachm  carbonate  of  ammonia, 
^  Ounce  powdered  gentian. 

Give  twice  a  day  as  a  drench  in  a  quart  of  "water,  or  as  a  ball  mixed 
with  linseed  meal  and  molasses. 

VI.    Colds. 

Colds  in  horses,  as  in  the  human  family,  are  usually  the  result  of  im- 
proper care  or  undue  exposure.  Taking  a  horse  from  a  hot,  illy  ventii* 
ated  stable,  and  allowing  him  after  driving  to  become  cold,  is  one  prolific 
cause  of  colds.  There  are  so  many  means  of  causing  this  disability  that 
it  would  be  impossible  to  enumerate  them.  If  the  attack  is  light,  all  that 
will  be  necessary  will  be  to  clothe  the  animal  warmly  and  relax  the  bowels 
with  a  warm  mash,  and  give  rest  for  a  few  days. 

Sometimes,  however,  the  attack  is  prolonged 
and  severe.  The  ajipetite  ceases,  the  coat  rough- 
ens, parts  of  the  body  are  hot  and  others  cold,  the 
membrane  of  the  nose  at  first  dry  and  pale, 
with  the  facial  sinuses  clogged,  at  length  termi- 
nates in  a  discharge  more  or  less  great,  but  with- 
out improving  the  health  of  the  horse. 

What  to  do. — Keep  the  animal  warmly  clothed, 
in  ample  box  stall,  with  plenty  of  bedding.  If 
A  horse's  HEAD  WITH  COLD,  the  coM  docs  uot  give  way  in  a   few   days  after 

the  first  attack,  and  the  symptoms  are  as  we  have 
indicated,  or  if  the  membranes  of  the  nose  are  dry,  make  a  sack  of 
coarse  gunny  cloth,  large  enough  so  it  may  fit  the  nose  properly,  but  en- 
largfins:  to  the  bottom,  and  two  feet  or  more  long,  with  a  slit  covered  with 
a  flap  in  the  side,  half  way  down.  Put  into  the  bag  half  a  peck  or  more 
of  coarse  pine  sawdust  with  which  half  an  ounce  of  spirits  of  turpentine 
has  been  thoroughly  mixed.  Place  the  bag  on  the  nose  as  shown  in 
the  cut  on  next  page. 

Turn  two  gallons  of  hot  water  in  the  slit,  and  every  twenty  minutes 
repeat,  allowing  the  bag  to  remain  on  an  hour  each  time,  use  this  six 
times  a  day  until  the  discharge  begins.  When  water  runs  freely  from 
the  nose,  three  times  daily  will  be  enough.  Let  the  food  be  good  scalded 
oats  or  other  like  food,  with  mashes  if  the  bowels  are  constipated. 

An  animal  with  this  kind  of  a  cold  should  not  be  put  to  steady  work 
until  entirely  recovered.  The  result  of  protracted  cold  is  great  weakness, 
and  work  before  recovery  often  leads  to  disease  of  the  air  passages  and 
lungs.     If  there  is  much  fever  give  the  following : 


THE    HORSE,  ITS    DISEASES. 


331 


ITo.  «1. 


2  Drachms  spirits  of  ammonia, 
2  Drachms  ether. 


Mix  and  give  in  :i  little  gruel,  (say  1-2  pint,)  twice  a  day.  If  the  throat 
is  involved  poultice  it  with  linseed  meal  in  which  a  little  mustard  has  been 
mixed.  When  the  symptoms  give  way  and  improvement  begins,  or  if 
the  appetite  is  not  good  prepare  the  following : 


No.  62. 


2  Ounces  powdered  gentian, 

2  Ounces  carbonate  of  ammonia. 


Form  this  into  a  mass,  with  linseed  oil  and  molasses,  divided  into  eight 
parts  and  give  one  twice  each  day.  If  the  cold  becomes  chronic  it  ends 
in  catarrh.  When  there  are  catarrhal  symptoms  and  sore  throat  give  the 
following : 


No.  63. 


1  Drachm  extract  of  belladonna, 

2  Drachms  ipecac, 

2  Drachms  powdered  camphor, 
4  Drachms  nitre. 


Mix  into  a  ball  with  linseed  oil,  and  give  one 
every  three  or  four  hours.  In  inveterate  or  chron- 
ic cold  there  is  discharge,  and  swelling  of  the  lym- 
j)hatic  gland.  We  have  already  shown  how  glan- 
ders ma}^  be  known. 


..^  ^^^'■^~: 


HSAD  WITH  LYMPHATIC  GLAND 
OF  THE  THROAT  SWOLLEN. 

1— The  enlarged  lymphatic  within 
the  jaw. 


KOSS  BAO  FOR  STEAMIN» 
HORSE  WITH  COLD, 


We  give  a  cut  show- 
ing the  enlargement 
of    the    lymphatic 
^land     in     chronic 
icold.     In  case  the 
horse  gets  cold  it  is 
better  that   he  be  ex- 
amined by  a  competent 
veterinary  surgeon, 
(not  by  a  quack,)  in  order  to  be  sure  the  disease  is  not  glanders. 

Vn.   Enlarged  Glands— Goitre. 

There  are  various  glands  in  the  throat  that  are  subject  to  enlargement 
from  disease,  and  which  remain  permanent  after  the  disease  is  passed. 
This  result  is  generally  more  unsightly  as  a  blemish  than  as  a  real  disa- 
bility. Goitre,  however,  is  a  disease  peculiar  to  some  limestone  regions, 
producing  in  animals  as  in  man  a  swelling  of  the  thyroid  gland.  In  some 
portions  of  the  East  it  is  quite  prevalent,  producing  extensive  enlarge- 


'S32  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

ments  in  lambs.  It  also  attacks  cattle  and  swine.  In  solid-hoofed  anl- 
nials,  as  in  the  horse,  there  may  be  a  swelling  on  either  side  ;  in  others  it 
is  in  the  center  just  below  the  roots  of  the  jaws.  For  all  enlargements 
of  the  glands,  tincture  of  iodine  will  disperse  the  swelling  if  it  may  be 
possible.  In  l^ronchocele  or  goitre,  rainwater  only  should  be  given  to 
drink  ;  iodine  in  doses  of  ten  grains  daily  may  be  given  on  an  empty 
stomach,  and  the  swelling  may  be  painted  with  the  tincture.  This  to  bo 
persisted  in  for  months.  Another  remedy  that  has  been  successful,  is 
the  following : 

No.  64.  >i  Drachm  iodide  of  potassium, 

1  Drachm  liquor  potassae, 
^  Pint  rainwater. 

Mix,  and  give  as  a  dose  night  and  morning,  using  the  tincture  of  iodine 
on  the  goitre. 

Vm.    Swelled  Throat,  or  Laryngitis. 

Causes. — Foul  stables  or  any  cause  producing  colds,  catarrhs,  etc.  It 
Is  sometimes  divided  professionally  into  laryngitis  and  pharyngitis,  but 
practically  they  are  one — inflammation  of  the  air  and  food  passages  of 
the  neck,  generally  accompanied  with  cough,  difficulty  in  swallo\ving 
and  fever. 

How  to  Know  it. — The  animal  is  dull.  The  head  is  carried  in  a  peculiar 
manner,  as  though  the  neck  were  stiff.  There  is  a  short,  frequent 
cough,  the  breath  is  hurried,  the  pulse  full  and  throbbing,  and  the  mem- 
branes of  the  nasal  passages  are  high  colored,  almost  scarlet.  There 
will  be  a  hoarse  sound,  approaching  to  a  grunt,  at  each  breath  taken,  if 
the  ears  are  held  against  the  animal's  wind-pipe.  Externally  there  is 
more  or  less  enlargement  over  the  region  of  the  larynx,  the  enlargement 
of  the  windpipe  next  the  throat.  Handling  the  throat  seems  to  produce 
extreme  pain. 

What  to  do. — Reduce  the  pulse  at  once  by  doses  of  tincture  of 
aconite  in  a  wine  glass  full  of  water,  repeated  every  half  hour.  Plac© 
the  steam ing-bag  on  the  nose,  as  recommended  for  colds.  Keep  it  em- 
ployed almost  constantly,  for  there  may  be  danger  of  strangulation.  If 
the  steaminjr  seems  to  distress  the  animal,  omit  it,  or  use  it  onlv  oca- 
sionally,  and  soak  soft  hay  in  boiling  water  and  apply  to  the  throat  as 
hot  as  can  be  borne.  Bandage  and  fasten  with  the  eight-tailed  bandage 
previously  described.  Or,  ferment  the  throat  with  cloths  wrung  out  of 
hot  mustard  water.  If  there  is  difficulty  in  swallowing,  put  a  tea- 
•poonf ul  of  the  following  well  back  on  the  tongue  several  times  a  day  • 


THE   HOBSE,    ITS    DISEASES. 

Ho.  am,  1  Ounce  powdered  guaiacum, 

4  Ounces  powdered  chlorate  of  potash, 
}i  Pint  of  molasses. 

Do  not  in  administering  anything,  force  the  jaws  wide  apart.  Act  as 
gently  as  possible.  If  the  animal  is  feverish  and  the  throat  hot  and  dry, 
give  three  times  a  day,  in  a  pint  of  cold  linseed  tea,  the  following  : 

No.  66.  1  Drachm  powdered  ipecac, 

1  Ounce  solution  of  acetate  of  ammonia. 

In  case  the  disease  becomes  chronic,  the  following  excitant  to  the 
throat  will  be  indicated  ; 

No.  67.  1  Part  oil  of  turpentine, 

1  Part  solution  of  ammonia, 
i  1  Part  olive  oil. 

Mix,  shake  the  bottle  before  using,  and  rub  well  in  on  the  throat  every- 
day.    If  this  does  not  relieve,  apply  the  following  blister : 

No.  68.  1  Drachm  croton  oil, 

1  Drachm  sulphuric  ether, 
10  Drachms  alcohol. 

Mix,  and  apply  by  rubbing  with  considerable  friction. 


A.  HOBSB  Wixa  THE  THBOAT  BLISTEBBD.  •*  SETON  IN  THE  THROAT  OF  A  HOBSE. 

When  the  symptoms  become  more  favorable,  by  the  membranes  of  th© 
nose  becoming  pale  or  more  natural  in  color;  by  the  cough  becoming 
more  free,  or  louder,  easier  and  with  less  violent  breathing,  and  by  the 
appearance  of  a  white  and  thick  discharge  from  the  nostrils,  put  a  seton 
in  the  throat,  (see  cut,)  and  allow  nothing  but  moist  and  succulent  food. 
Move  the  seton  daily  until  healthy  pus  (matter)  is  formed.  Then  cut 
one  of  the  knots  and  withdraw  it,  and  as  the  horse  recovers  allow  drier 
food — hay  and  grain — but  that  entirely  free  from  dust.  See  that  no 
stones  or  grit  are  in  the  oats,  and  soak  for  five  or  six  hours  before  feed- 
ing. In  this,  as  in  diseases  where  the  throat  is  more  or  less  sore,  the 
IvK^e  may  quid  his  food.     This  is  not  a  symptom  of  laryngitis  as  is  some- 


534 


ILLvJSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 


times  supposed,  but  known  to  all  diseases  where  there  is  obstruction  n 


•wallowins^. 


IX.    Chronio  Cough. 


A  UORSB  QCIDDING. 


There  are  many  cases  of  long  standing  or 
chronic  cough.  Cough  is  an  attendant  upon 
so  many  disorders  of  the  air  passages,  from 
the  most  trivial  difficulty  in  teething  to  glan- 
ders, that  a  cough  should  not  be  overlooked 
in  the  diagnose  of  diseases.  And  so  many 
diseases  leave  the  patient  with  chronic  cough, 
that  its  symptomatic  stages  should  be  care- 
fully observed. 

Coughing  tends  generally  to  a  thickening  of  the  membranes.  When 
the  membrane  covering  the  larynx  becomes  thickened,  and  consequently 
morbidly  sensitive,  the  cough  becomes  fixed  or  what  is  termed  chronic. 
The  sense  of  smell  in  the  nose  is  peculiarly  acute,  and  the  membranes 
of  the  nose  and  throat,  as  a  matter  of  course,  are  fully  as  sensitive.  We 
have  said,  "the  limbs  and  feet  are  half  the  horse  ;  the  lungs  the  test  of 
his  endurance."  Yet  nine  in  ten  of  the  stables  in  which  horses  are  kept 
are  offensive  to  man  and  irritate  the  air  passages  when  first  entered.  Yet 
the  sense  of  smell  in  man  is  not  very  acute,  except  in  a  few  directions. 
A  stable  therefore,  offensive  to  man  is  not  a  fit  place  for  horses  to  bo 
kept,  where  the  lungs  constitute  one  of  the  principal  excellencies  of  the 
animal. 


THK    ACT  OF  COUGHING. 


The  cough  which  accompanies  the  several  diseases  of  which  this  rol- 
nme  treats,  will  be  described  in  the  treatment  of  the  diseases  themselves. 
In  this  article  chronic  cough  will  be  treated,  the  cough  that  is  always 
Present  in  eating,  drinking  and  inhaling  a  cold  draught  of  air,  or  from 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  335 

any  cause  of  excitement,  requiring  long  and  careful  nursing  for  their 
cure.  The  chronic  cough,  resulting  from  colds,  is  hard  and  metallic. 
For  this,  the  following  will  be  good,  to  be  rubbed  on  the  throat  and 
mround  the  windpipe,  once  in  ten  days : 

No.  69.  15  Drops  croton  oil, 

1  Ounce  glycerine, 

« 

Give  twice  a  day,  for  a  week,  the  following : 

No.  70.  40  Drops  diluted  prussic  acid, 

1  Ounce  niter, 

1  Ounce  bicarbonate  of  soda, 
1  Quart  water. 

If  this  does  not  give  relief,  the  following,  valuable  for  irritable  chronic 
«ough,  the  result  of  influenza  or  sore  throat,  may  be  used : 

No.  71.  1  Ounce  Fowler's  solution  of  arsenic, 

1  Ounce  chlorate  of  potash, 
1  Drachm  belladona. 

Give  once  a  day  in  water  pr  gi-uel  and  note  results,  ceasing  after  a 
week  or  ten  days,  if  no  improvement  ensues.  For  cough  and  sore  throaty 
when  first  discovered,  take  : 

No.  72.  1  Drachm  powdered  camphor, 

1  Drachm  extract  belladona, 

2  Ounces  sweet  spirits  niter. 

Give  in  a  pint  of  cold  gruel  three  times  a  day.     Tar-water  is  well  known  ' 
to  be  valuable  in  obstinate  coughs.     Give  every  morning  as  a  drink,  the 
following : 

No.  73.  1  Drachm  powdered  squills, 

>i  Pint  tar-water, 
}i  Pint  lime-water. 

If  the  cough  is  violent,  use  as  a  sedative,  the  following  : 

No.  li.  1  Drachm  dilute  prussic  acid, 

2  Drachms  powdered  opium, 
4  Drachms  niter. 

Mix  in  a  pint  of  linseed  tea  and  give  from  five  to  six  table-spoonfuls 
three  times  a  day. 

Expectorants,  calculated  to  loosen  the  cough  and  restore  the  secretions 
to  their  natural  conditions,  do  not  act  so  kindly  as  could  be  wished  on 
farm  animals.     For  a  long  standing  cough,  try  the  following : 


836  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

No.  75.  1  Drachm  aloes, 

1  Drachm  squills, 
'2  Drachms  gum  ammoniacum. 

Mix  into  a  ball  with  meal  and  give  once  a  day  in  the  morning.  If  the 
cough  is  irritable  and  easily  excited,  and  the  bowels  natural,  omit  the 
aloes  and  substitute  for  it  one  drachm  of  opium. 

For  a  cold  settled  in  the  chest,  with  cough,  give  every  morning  th« 
following : 

No.  76.  1  Drachm  ipecac, 

1  Drachm  liquorice  powder, 
>i  Ounce  nitrate  of  ammonia. 

Add  tar,  the  size  of  a  hazel-nut  and  mix  with  molasses  to  form  a  ball. 
AH  coughs  resulting  from  indigestion  or  worms,  and  some  of  those 
resulting  from  irritation  of  the  passages  of  the  throat,  are  often  cured 
by  turning  the  horse  out  in  Summer  where  he  may  have  free  range  on  the 
prairie,  where  resin  weed  grows  plentifully.  A  long  standing  cough, 
however,  requires  time,  and  the  operator  must  use  judgment  in  adminiS'^ 
tering  medicine.  If  he  be  a  veterinary  surgeon  he  will  make  up  his  mind 
from  various  symptoms.  The  farmer  should  endeavor  carefully  to  do 
the  same. 

X.    Malignant  Epidemic. 

Under  this  head  the  older  veterinarians  were  accustomed  to  term 
several  diseases  that  sweeping  over  a  country  became  unusuall}'^  prevalent 
or  fatal.  Thus  Dr.  Layard  and  Ohmer  long  ago  wrote  of  malignant 
epidemic,  probably  a  severe  form  of  catarrhal  fever,  or  epidemic  catarrh, 
and  also  known  as  influenza  distemper,  malignant  epidemic,  murrain, 
pest,  etc. 

Youatt  describes  a  malignant  disease  occurring  in  1714  in  England, 
imported  from  the  continent  and  destroying  in  the  course  of  a  few  months 
70,000  horses  and  cattle.  Professor  Bruquon,  of  Turin,  says  of  this 
disease,  that  it  commenced  with  loss  of  appetite,  staring  coat,  a  wild  and 
wandering  look,  and  a  staggering  from  t]ie  very  commencement.  The 
horse  would  (-ontinually  lie  down  and  get  up  again,  as  if  tormented  hy 
colic  ;  and  he  gazed  alternately  at  both  flanks.  In  moments  of  compar* 
ative  ease  there  were  universal  twitchings  of  the  skin  and  spasms  of  tha 
limbs.  The  temperature  of  the  ears  and  feet  was  variable.  If  there 
happened  to  be  about  the  animal  any  old  wound  or  scar  from  setoning  or 
firing,  it  opened  afresh  and  discharged  a  quantity  of  thick  and  black 
blood.  Very  shortly  afterward  the  flanks,  which  were  quiet  before,  begap 
to  heave,  the  nostrils  were  dilated,  the  head  extended  for  breath.     The 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  337 

horse  had,  by  this  time  become  so  weak  that,  if  he  lay,  or  fell  dowu,  he 
could  rise  no  more ;  or,  if  he  was  up,  he  would  stand  trembling,  stagger- 
ing, and  threatening  to  faL  every  moment.  The  mouth  was  dry,  the 
tongue  white  and  the  breath  fetid  ;  a  discharge  of  yellow  or  fetid  matter 
proceeded  from  the  nose  and  fetid  matter  from  the  anus.  The  duration 
of  the  disease  did  not  exceed  twelve  or  twenty-four  hours ;  or  if  th« 
animal  lingered  on  swellings  of  the  head  and  throat  and  sheath  and 
scrotum  followed,  and  he  died  exhausted,  or  in  convulsions. 

Black  spots — extravasation — were  found  in  cellular  membrane,  in  the 
tissue  of  all  the  membranes,  and  on  the  coats  of  the  stomach.  The 
mesenteric  and  lymphatic  glands  were  engorged,  black  and  gangrenous. 
The  membrane  of  the  nose  and  pharynx  were  highly  injected,  the  lungs 
were  filled  with  black  and  frothy  blood,  or  with  black  and  livid  spots. 
The  brain  and  its  meninges  were  unaltered. 

y.I.    Diflaculty  of  Breathing. . 

From  whatever  source  this  may  arise,  whether  from  some  disorgan- 
ization, or  change  in  the  lungs,  or  obstruction  in  the  air  passages  ;  what- 
ever the  obstruction  be,  it  must  first  be  traced  to  its  cause  before  good 
can  be  done.  This  is  sometimes  not  eas}^  to  do  ;  the  owner  must  act 
with  judgment.  Thick  wind  often  follows  pneumonia,  and  is  caused  by 
closing  or  obliteration  (hepatization)  of  a  portion  of  the  lungs.  If  it  does 
not  pass  away  after  the  disease  which  preceded  it  is  entirely  cured,  it  may 
be  mitigated  by  feeding  the  animal  on  sound  oats,  entirely  freed  from 
dust,  giving  but  little  hay,  that  moistened,  and  avoiding  any  food  that  is 
dusty.  Mashes  and  carrots  in  Winter  suificient  to  keep  the  bowels  prop- 
erly open,  and  turning  on  prairie  pasture  in  Summer  will  be  indicated. 

Roaring  has  rendered  nearly  useless  many  valuable  horses  in  England  j 
in  the  United  States  horses  are  not  subject  to  it.  It  is  said  to  be  pro^ 
duced  by  obstruction  in  some  part  of  the  respiratory  canal,  most  often  in 
the  larynx  and  next  in  the  trachea.  Thus  chronic  cough  sometimes  ter- 
minates in  roaring.     In  this  country  heaves  is  the  most  usual  termination. 

Xn.    Brokeia  Wind  ;  Bellows  ;  Heaves. 

Causes. — Broken  wind  is  the  result  both  of  disease  of  the  lungs  and 
riolent  exertions.  Feeding  on  dusty  hay  and  grain  are  prolific  sources  of 
the  disease.  Where  no  clover  hay  is  used,  the  disease  is  rare.  It  is 
mainly  confined  to  horses  that  have  arrived  at  maturity.  A  horse  fed  for 
days  and  weeks  on  dusty  hay,  and  then  driven  hard,  will  exhibit  heaves, 
unless  his  lungs  and  digestion  are  extraordinary.  This  disease  is  usiially 
knoAvn  in  the  South  under  the  name  of  bellows,  and  in  the  ^  ^rth  a* 
heaves,  either  of  them  expressive  of  the  disease. 


338  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 

How  to  know  it. — Broken  wind  is  nearly  allied  to  asthma  in  man,  but 
is  more  continuous  in  its  action  a)id  less  liable  to  occur  in  paroxysms. 
At  each  breath  there  will  be  a  two-fold  motion  of  the  flank,  caused  by  a 
falling  in  of  the  abdominal  walls,  causing  the  flank  to  lift,  then  after  a 
perceptible  interval  a  rising  of  the  back  part  of  the  belly  assists  in  freeing 
the  lungs  of  air.  There  is  a  short,  dry  cough,  sometimes  almost  inaudi- 
ble, followed  by  whirring.  When  the  horse  is  moved  suddenly,  or  driven 
hard,  when  a  draught  of  cold  water  is  given,  or  the  animal  is  suddenly 
brought  into  the  cold  air,  the  spells  will  occur.  Indigestion  is  almost 
always  present,  and  as  a  consequence  of  flatulency  of  the  bowels.  The 
appetite  is  ravenous  and  unnatural ;  eating  the  litter  given  for  bedding,  is 
one  of  the  many  exhibitions  of  it. 

What  to  do. — There  is  no  permanent  cure  for  this  disability.  The 
symptoms  and  distress  may  be  alleviated  by  giving  only  sound  grain  and 
bright,  hard  stalked  hay,  free  from  dust.  Prairie  hay  with  plenty  of 
resin  leaf  in  it  is  the  best ;  next,  clean  cured  corn-stalks.  But  little  water 
should  be  allowed  at  a  time,  and  not  more  than  6  to  8  pounds  of  hay, 
daily,  and  this  given  at  night,  the  provender  being  confined  as  much  a» 
possible  to  gi-ain  and  grass  in  Summer,  and  grain,  bran-mashes  and  car 
rots  or  potatoes  in  Winter. 

This  will  enable  many  broken-winded  horses  to  do  a  fair  amount  ol 
work  with  comparative  comfort.  In  any  event,  a  horse  inclined  to  be 
thick-winded  in  any  degree,  should  never  be  tightly  checked  up,  nor 
above  all,  be  driven  by  pulling  in  the  head,  causing  undue  bearing  either 
of  the  curb  or  snaffle  on  the  jaw. 

The  animal  should  be  allowed  to  hold  its  head 
in  the  easiest  position,  since  its  work  must  be  nec- 
essarily slow.  One  of  the  most  usual  palliative 
means  of  the  animal  appearing  for  a  time  sound, 
is  to  give  10  to  15  grains  of  arsenic  a  day  for  a 
week  or  ten  days.  A  better  preparation  to  give 
relief — afterwards,  the  animal  to  be  turned  out 
on  clean,  short  grass,  is  the  following: 

BIT  BKABINQ  DFON  JAW. 

No.  77.  1  Ounce  Fowler's  solution  of  arsenic, 

1  Drachm  extract  of  belladonna, 
)i  Drachm  tincture  of  ginger. 

Give  once  a  day,  in  the  morning,  in  one  pint  of  water,  and  continue  fo* 
/our  to  eight  weeks,  as  circumstances  may  dictate. 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES. 


339 


XIII.    Influenza. 

This  epizootic,  which  first  and  last  has  heen  prevalent  in  nearly  all 
countries  where  the  horse  is  used,  is,  as  to  its  origin,  but  little  under- 
stood.  Its  symptoms,  however,  are  well  known,  but  these  may  be 
complicated  by  inflammatory  symptoms  of  all  the  air  passages  ;  also  by 
rheumatic  swellings,  paralysis,  delirium  and  inflammation  of  the  eyes. 

How  to  know  it. — The  attack  may  be  sudden.  There  will  be  stupor 
and  weakness,  the  head  will  be  held  low,  the  eyes  dull  and  half  closed, 
the  gait  will  be  weak,  with  cracking  of  the  joints  sometimes.  There  will 
be  no  appetite,  and  fever  ;  the  mouth  hot  and  clammy,  the  bowels  costive, 
with  scanty  urine  ;  the  pulse  quick  and  weak,  but  sometimes  hard ;  the 
membrane  of  the  nose  may  be  pink,  or  a  deep  leaden  hue  ;  the  cough  will 
be  deep  and  harsh ;  the  ccat  rough  and  staring ;  the  skin  tender  and 
sometimes  trembling,  and  tlie  ears  and  limbs  alternately  hot  and  cold. 
Upon  applying  the  ear  to  the  lungs  crepitation  will  be  heard,  or  some- 
times a  harsh  blowing  sound.  As  the  disease  progresses,  and  the  nos« 
discharges  a  white,  yellowish  or  greenish  water,  the  animal  may  get  bet- 
ter ;  but  when  the  lungs  are  seriously  involved,  the  symptoms  will  in- 
crease. As  a  rule  there  is  constipation,  although  purging  is  sometimes 
present . 


CONFIRMED    INFLUENZA. 


What  to  do. — Place  the  animal  in  a  well  littered  stall,  free  from  drafts 
•f  air  Do  not  depend  upon  strong  physic.  The  cure  must  be  effected 
Oy  watching  the  symptoms  and  combating  them.  If  there  is  costiveness 
keep  the  bowels  open  by  injections  of  two  wine  glasses  full  of  linseed 
oil.  Relief  must  be  had  by  means  of  stimulants  and  tonics.  Good 
Bill  sing  must  be  constant,  with  clothing  enough  to  keep  the  animal  warm 
h  good  tonic  and  stimulant  is  : 
22 


540  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK   DOCTOR. 

BTo.  78  2  Oz  of  gentian, 

2  Oz.  carbonate  ammonia. 

Form  in  eight  doses  and  give  one  night  and  morning.  If  the  ooogli  u 
dietressing  prepare  the  following  : 

No.  79.  H  Oz.  extract  belladonna, 

2  Drachms  powdered  opium, 

3  Drachms  camphor, 
2  Oz.  liquorice, 

)i  Pint  molasses. 

Mix  thoroughly  and  spread  a  table-spoonful  on  the  tongue  twice  a  daj. 
If,  with  the  cough,  there  is  sore  throat  and  catarrh,  prepare  the  following ; 

No.  80.  20  Grains  iodine, 

1  Drachm  iodide  of  potassium, 

2  Ounces  sweet  spirits  of  niter, 
1  Pint  water  gruel. 

Give  this  as  a  dose  twice  a  day.  If  the  animal  should  begin  to  improve 
It  will  be  about  the  fifth  day. 

Sometimes  recovery  is  complicated  by  various  disabilities.  If  there  is 
dropsy  or  swelling  of  the  legs  or  sheath,  prepare  the  following ; 

No.  81.  1  Oz.  iodide  of  potassium, 

1  Oz.  carbonate  of  ammonia, 
1  Oz.  powdered  gentian. 

Form  into  eight  balls  and  give  one  morning  and  evening. 

If  a  spasmodic  cough  follows  the  attack  the  following  will  be  indicated : 

No.  82.  1  Drachm  extract  of  belladonna, 

1  Drachm  chloroform, 
10  Drachms  alcohol. 

Mix  in  a  pint  of  gruel  and  let  it  trickle  slowly  down  the  throat,  in 
«»rder  to  produce  a  full  local  effect. 

As  recovery  ensues,  the  food  should  be  nourishing  and  easily  digested. 
The  animal  should  be  induced  to  take  food  during  the  disease,  especially 
fn  the  form  of  nourishing  gruel.  When  the  pulse  changes,  and  especially 
irhen  it  loses  its  wiry  character ;  when  the  discharge  from  the  nos« 
becomes  steady  and  copious,  a  pint  of  ale  occasionally  is  a  good  stimu- 
lant. In  any  event,  good,  easily  digested  food  should  be  given,  and  th« 
minimal  must  be  nursed  until  entirely  recovered. 

XV.  Pink  Eye.* 
This  epidemic  has  been  prevailing  throughout  the  United  States.  It  is  a  dis' 

•  From  M.  W.  Birch,  V.  S.,  President  of  the  Pennsylvania  College  of  Veterinary  Surgeons. 


THE   HORSE,  ITS   DISEASES.  341 

case  which  confines  itself  to  no  particular  organ  or  organs  of  the  animal  economy. 
The  cause  is  some  malignant  miasmatic  influence. 

Symptoms. — The  mucous  surface  of  the  eyelid  assumes  a  yellow  cast ;  in- 
creased redness  of  the  membrane  of  the  nose ;  oozing  of  tears  and  sometimes 
mucus  from  the  corners  of  the  eyes ;  snorting,  in  some  cases  cough,  and  sore 
throat,  with  or  without  febrile  disorder.  I  shall  divide  my  subject  into  four 
classes:  Simple,  when  void  of  fever;  febrile,  when  attended  by  fever;  chronic, 
when  of  long  and  tedious  duration ;  influenzal,  when  attacking  many  at  one 
time,  and  accompanied  with  prostration  of  strength  and  loss  of  condition. 

The  symptoms  of  simple  are  some  slight  hurried  blush  of  the  membrane  of 
the  nose ;  oozing  of  tears  from  the  corners  of  the  eyes,  with  globules  of  mucus 
observable  in  them ;  occasional  snorting,  perhaps  coughing  as  well,  with  or 
without  slight  soreness  of  the  throat,  but  without  depression  of  spirit  or  loss 
of  appetite. 

Febrile  stage  may  be  either  slight  or  severe.  When  slight  it  is  nothing  more 
than  the  simple  form  accompanied  with  swelling  in  one  or  all  the  legs,  and 
with  dullness  and  fastidiousness  of  appetite  and  some  little  fever,  preceded  per- 
haps by  shivering.     This  is  the  ordinary  form. 

The  severe  form  is  that  in  which  the  depression  is  greater,  the  appetite  nearly 
or  quite  lost,  tbe  fever  comparatively  high,  membranes  more  injected.  The 
duration  of  an  attack  of  Pink  Eye  is  ordinarily  from  one  week  to  three. 
Should  it  not  appear  to  be  on  the  decline  about  the  third  week,  we  may  infer 
the  disease  is  becoming  chronic,  in  which  form  it  may  degenerate  into  nasal 
gleet  or  glanders. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  is  a  very  simple  affair.  First.  Take  the  horse 
out  of  his  warm  (perhaps  foul)  stable,  or  from  any  cold  or  wet  situation  in 
which  he  may  happen  to  be,  and  turn  him  loose  into  a  box  of  the  temperature 
of  55  degrees.  Take  care  that  he  may  have  an  ample  bed,  clean  and  dry, 
and  free  from  all  impurities.  In  cold  weather  clothe  him  warmly,  and,  if  re- 
quired, flannel  bandage  his  legs ;  give  him  nothing  to  eat  but  sloppy  bran- 
mashes  ;  and,  as  he  probably  evinces  signs  of  sore  throat,  let  him  have  linseed 
tea  or  gruel,  or  chilled  water  to  drink,  a  pailful  of  either  beverage  being  hung 
up  within  his  box,  so  that  he  may  partake  of  it  at  pleasure.  Inject  by  th« 
roouth  once  a  day  as  follows : 

Chlorate  of  Potash,  one  ounce; 
Warm  water,  a  half  gallon. 

Let  the  throat  be  rubbed  with  the  following  liniment: 

Water  of  Ammonia ; 

Oil  of  Turpentine ; 

Oil  of  Lard ;  two  ounces  of  each. 

Apply  the  above  once  a  day  for  three  days.  Should  the  excrement  proT* 
Wd,  let  an  injectioa  of  soap  and  tepid  water  be  given  and  repeated  daily, 


342  ILLUSTRATED     STOCK     DOCTOR. 

until,  through  it  or  a  mash  diet,  the  bowels  become  regular.  Administer  in- 
ternally F.  Ext.  Belladonna  in  80-drop  doses  every  three  hours.  If  the  animai 
be  attacked  with  fever,  discontinue  Belladonna  and  substitute  Tr.  Aconite  in  10- 
drop  doses  every  hour  until  eight  doses  have  been  given.  If  the  animal  be- 
comes debilitated,  a  stimulant  should  be  given  in  the  form  of  whisky.  Give 
an  ordinary  whisky  glass  full  as  a  dose.  If  the  breathing  becomes  labored  or 
increased,  apply  the  liniment  which  is  to  be  used  on  the  throat  to  both  sides  of 
the  chest.  This  should  be  done  but  once.  Follow  this  with  careful  nursing  and  ^ 
moderate  exercise. 

XVI.  Bleeding  from  the  Nose. 

This  often  occurs  from  various  injuries  to  the  mucus  membrane  of  the 
nostrils,  from  hard  pulling  up  hill,  too  tight  a  collar,  and  from  other 
causes,  especially  if  the  animal  be  full  of  blood.  In  these  cases,  the 
bleeding  is  from  one  nostril  and  in  drops,  accompanied  by  sneezing.  If 
the  bleeding  comes  from  the  lungs,  it  mil  be  bright  red  and  frothy,  and 
there  will  be  a  cough.  If  from  the  stomach,  it  will  be  black,  clotted ^ 
sour  and  accompanied  by  retching. 

What  to  do. — In  simple  cases  tie  the  head  up  as  high  as  possible,  blow 
strong  alum  water  from  a  tube  into  the  nostril  at  each  inspiration,  and  if 
obstinate,  plug  the  nostril  with  pledgets  of  tow.  Give  internally  one 
scruple  of  acetate  of  lead,  to  be  followed  in  half  an  hour  with  another 
if  necessary.     In  the  case  of  an  ox,  two  scruples  may  be  given  at  a  dose. 

If  both  nostrils  are  involved,  and  the  flow  is  continuous,  only  one  nos* 
tril  must  be  stopped  at  a  time,  unless  tracheotomy  is  performed,  sinci 
the  horse  cannot  breathe  through  the  mouth.  The  ox,  however,  can  dt 
80,  and  both  nostrils  may  be  plugged  if  necessary.     See  Tracheotomy,  page  488^ 

XVII.     Strangles. 

This  is  a  disease  but  little  known  in  America.  Our  distemper  takes 
its  place.  It  is  thus  described  in  English  works :  It  usually  occurs  in 
young  horses,  highly-bred  horses  being  more  subject  to  it  than  cold 
blooded  ones.  When  the  animal  is  "breeding  strangles,"  there  is  a  gen- 
eral though  slight  indisposition.  After  a  few  days  the  neck  becomes 
etiff,  the  throat  swells,  the  tumor  being  hard,  hot  and  tender.  A  d:." 
charge  from  the  nose  takes  place,  the  throat  becomes  sore,  the  breathing 
oppressed,  the  hair  is  staring,  the  appetite  is  gone,  and  the  animal  stands 
with  half -closed  eyes.  At  length  the  tumor  becomes  ripe  enough  and  is 
opened,  as  is  usual  in  distemper.  It  is  more  than  probable  that  the  dis- 
ease is  really  the  same,  and  that  strangles  and  distemper  are  one  and  the- 
same  thing,  only  modified  by  conditions  and  climate. 


THE    HOUSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  343 

The  general  treatment  is  the  same  as  for  distemper.     See  on  pages  308-310. 


OPENING  THB  ABSCESS  OF  STRANGLES. 

XVIII.  Spasmodic  Action  of  the  Glottis  and  Epiglottis. 

This  may  be  occasioned  rarely  by  food  sticking  in  the  gesophagus.  It 
is  sometimes  attendant  upon  cutting  the  teeth,  in  which  case  the  gums  should 
be  cut.     It  generally  appears  in  colts,  calves,  and  lambs. 

How  to  know  it. — The  first  symptoms  are  like  those  of  sore  throat. 
There  will  be  a  dry  whirring  breathing  and  a  hard  metallic  cough. 
Sometimes  it  will  be  heard  only  when  spasm  of  the  larynx  comes  on. 
As  the  disease  progresses  the  fever  increases,  the  temperature  of  the 
body  running  to  107  degrees,  and  the  pulse  from  ninety  to  over  one 
hundred.  White  films  or  pellicles  (albuminous  false  membranes)  form 
in  the  throat,  which  come  away  from  time  to  time,  or  if  not,  the  animal 
dies  of  suffocation. 

What  to  do. — Place  the  animal  where  it  may  have  free  air  but  no  drafts, 
and  where  the  temperature  may  be  kept  comfortable.  Allow  sufficient 
clothing.  Give  as  a  laxative  twelve  ounces  Glauber  salts  dissolved  in  a 
quart  of  warm  water. 

As  an  antispasmodic  give  two  or  three  drachm  doses  of  laudanum 
every  hour  in  a  decoction  of  marsh  mallow.  In  the  early  stage  of  the 
disease  warm  fomentations  persistently  applied  may  scatter  the  disease. 
K  later,  use  the  following: 

No.  82.  1  Part  oil  of  turpentine, 

1  Part  lard  oil, 
1  Part  solution  of  ammonia. 

Rub  well  on  the  affected  parts  of  the  throat.  If  the  membrane  in  the 
throat  do  not  give  way,  and  there  is  increased  difficulty  in  breathing,  swab  the 
throat  with  a  solution  of:  10  gr.  nitrate  of  silver  in  1  oz.  of  rainwater. 


CHAPTEE  VI. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  STOMACH  AND  BOWELS. 


1.   SOUR  STOMACH.  II.   COLIC.  III.    THE   BOT.  IV.   INFLAMMATION   AND 

RUPTURE    OF   THE   COLON.  V.    INFLAMMATION    AND   BLEEDING   OF   THE    REC- 
TUM.  VI.    SPONTANEOUS    SALIVATION. VII.     INFLAMMATION  OF  THE    STOM 

ACH. VIII.  SORENESS  AND  ITCHING  OF  THE  ANUS. IX.    CHRONIC  GASTRITIS. 

——X.    SPASMS    OF    THE    DIAPHRAGM. XI.    RUPTURE    OF   THE   STOMACH. 

XII.    INFLAMMATION    OF   THE     PERITONEUM. XIII.    STRANGULATION     OF     THB 

INTESTINES. XIV.    FUNCTIONAL    DISEASES    OF   THE  LIVER. XV.    PARASITES 

WHICH  AFFECT  THE   LIVER. XVI.    DIARRHEA. 


I.    Sour  Stomach. 


Animals  living  upon  vegetable  food,  where  the  mastication  or  the 
grinding  down  of  the  substances  taken  into  the  mouth  is  imperfectly 
accomplished,  or  where  a  greedy  animal  is  allowed  to  overload  the 
stomach  with  food,  since  it  thus  is  imperfectly  moistened  with  saliva, 
are  subject  to  acidity  of  the  stomach,  fermentation  of  the  food,  and 
the  diseases  attendant  thereupon.  Carbonic  acid  gas  is  evolved,  and  if 
not  checked  in  time  will  sometimes  cause  violent  and  extreme  distension 
and  inflammation  of  the  stomach,  the  result  of  decomposition,  or  spas- 
modic colic,  with  paroxysms  of  extreme  agony,  and  sometimes  the  most 
violent  rupture  of  the  stomach  ending  in  death. 

We  often  see  violent  distension  of  the  stomach  in  cattle  when  turned 
into  a  field  of  flush  clover  when  hungry ;  the  remedy  in  this  case  is 
thrusting  a  trochar  or  knife  into  the  stomach  to  allow  the  escape  of  th« 
gases.  When  in  the  horse  inflammatory  action  has  been  set  up  it  may 
lead  to  many  diseases,  each  of  which  must  be  treated  according  to  the 
symptoms  exhibited. 
344 


THE   HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  345 

In  the  first  stage  or  that  of  simple  acidity  of  the  stomach,  if  taken  in 
time,  treatment  is  comparatively  easy.  It  is  called  sour  stomach,  acute 
gastritis,  indigestion,  tympany,  etc. 

Causes* — Suspended  digestion  and  consequent  fermentation  from  over- 
loading the  stomach  with  improperly  chewed  food.  This  will  never  occur 
in  slow  feeders  that  fully  grind  and  saturate  the  food  with  saliva,  since  in 
this  case  the  appetite  is  fully  satisfied  before  overloading  ensues.  Colic 
may  occur  by  giving  large  draughts  of  water  immediately  after  feeding, 
thus  washing  forward  the  food  beyond  the  stomach.  Sour  stomach  may 
also  ensue  from  indigestible  and  easily  fermented  food,  and  inflammation 
from  eating  plants  that  irritate  the  stomach. 

How  to  know  it. — The  first  symptoms  are  sour  stomach,  simple  colic, 
or  fermentation.  There  is  fullness,  causing  undue  distension,  then 
quickened,  deep,  but  oppressed  breathing  ;  the  animal  is  dull  and  stupid  ; 
there  is  increasing  pain,  and  at  length,  if  relief  is  not  obtained,  more 
violent   symptoms   set   in. 

What  to  do. — Grive  immediately  one  or  two  ounces  of  magnesia. 
Evacuate  the  bowels  by  means  of  injections  of  warm  water.  Rub  the 
belly  with  considerable  friction  one  way,  from  the  forelegs  back.  If 
there  is  griping  give  the  following : 

No.  85.  15  to  20  Drops  oil  of  peppermint, 

1  Ounce  of  laudanum. 

If  the  weather  ib  cold,  blanket  and  walk  the  horse  to  assist  in  giving 
relief. 

In  the  case  of  the  ox,  give  double  the  dose  mentioned ;  sheep  one- 
quarter  to  one-third  the  dose  for  the  horse,  except  of  laudanum,  of 
which  give  the  sheep,  2  to  3  drachms. 

n.    Colic. 

This  may  be  of  two  kinds,  spasmodic,  or  flatulent  colic.  The  first  i» 
the  result  of  cramps  or  spasmodic  contractions,  causing  severe  pain  with 
tendency  to  inflammation.  The  other  of  distension  of  the  bowels  with 
tendency  to  inflammation  and  rupture  of  the  coats. 

How  to  know  Spasmodic  Colic. — There  will  be  spasms  of  pain,  with  paw- 
ing, striking  of  the  belly  with  the  hind  foot,  looking  round  at  the  flanks, 
lying  down  and  suddenly  getting  up,  rolling,  or  h'ing  stretched  out  for 
an  instant ;  then  suddenly  rising,  the  horse  will  shake  himself  as  the 
pain  intermits.  Again  the  pain  returns  and  the  same  performances  are 
gone  through.     There  may  be  frequent  small  discharges  from  the  bowels 


346 


ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 


and    bladder,   and    during    the   attacks   the    pulse   and    breathing    ar« 
ac€al«rat«d. 


THE   FIRST    STAGS    OF  SPASSIODIC    COLIC. 


What  to  do. — Relieve  the  pain  by  means  of  an  opiate,  and  cause  move- 
ment of  the  bowels.  To  do  this  in  mild  cases  the  following  will  be  good 
in.  connection  with  injections  of  warm  water : 


No.  86. 


>^  to  1  Ounce  of  laudanum, 
4  to  5  Drachms  aloes, 
1  Pint  hot  water. 


SECOND    STAGE    OF    SPASMODIC    COLIC. 


Pulverize  the  aloes  and  dissolve  in  the  hot  water.  Cool  as  quickly  as 
possible  and  add  the  laudanum,  and  give  as  a  dose.  If  there  \b  abund- 
ant formation  of  gas,  give  the  following  promptly : 


No  87. 


yi  Ounce  powdered  aloes, 
1  Ounce  aromatic  ammonia, 
1  Ounce  aulpburic  ether, 
]  Pint     warm  water. 


THE    HORSE,  ITS    DISEASES. 


34T 


Mix  and  give  at  once.     Another  colic  drench  in  good  repute  ia  the 
following  : 


iTo.  86. 


i  Drachms  aloes, 

1  Ounce  sulphuric  ether, 

1  Ounce  laudanum. 


THIRD  STAGE  OF   SPASMODIC  COLIC. 


Mix,  pulverize  the  aloes  in  a  pint  and  a  half  of  hot  water ;  cool,  add 
the  other  ingredients  and  give  immediately.  If  relief  is  not  obtained, 
give  as  a  second  dose  the  following : 

No.  89.  H  Ounce  sulphuric  ether, 

^  Ounce  laudanum, 
a  Ounce  spirits  camphor, 
yi  Ounce  essence  of  peppermint. 

Mix  in  a  pint  of  gruel  and  turn  down.  The  symptoms  in  cattle  are 
uneasiness,  shuflSing  of  the  hind  legs  when  standing.  When  /ying  down 
they  will  kick  with  the  outer  limbs.  There  will  be  moaning  and  twisting 
of  the  tail.  The  same  treatment  is  advised  as  for  the  horse,  except  that 
one  pint  of  linseed  oil  should  replace  the  aloes.  Give  the  doses  by 
allowing  the  liquid  to  trickle  down  the  throat  very  slowly.  The  doses 
should  be  double  that  of  the  horse.  Swine  should  have  castor  oil  one 
ounce  in  place  of  the  linseed  oil ;  and  sheep  three-quarters  of  an  ounce. 
Otherwise  the  doses  should  be  about  one-quarter  to  one-fifth  those 
ordered  for  the  horse. 

Flatulent  Colic. — ^This  disease  is  dangerous,  and  is  generally  the  result 
of  a  chronic  distension  of  the  bowels,  with  tendency  to  inflammation  and 
rupture  of  the  coats. 

It  may  be  the  result  of  some  other  disease,  or  appear  as  a  consequence 
of  the  spasmodic  form  ;  or,  may  be  produced  by  the  same  causes  as 
those  assigned  to  the  acute  form. 


348 


ILLUSTRATED   STOCK   DOCTOR. 


How  to  know  it. — The  expression  of  pain  is  constant  but  not  so  acute. 
The  pulse  is  rapid  and  feeble,  with  difficult  breathing ;  the  feet  and  ears 
are  cold  ;  the  abdomen  is  tense  and  swollen,  and  it  sounds  drum-like 
when  struck.  The  animal  is  weak  and  sometimes  delirious.  The  intes» 
tines  are  painful  (sore)  as  is  shown  by  the  cautious  manner  of  lying 
down  ;  if,  indeed,  the  horse  lies  down  at  all. 


FIRST    STAGE   OF   FLATl'LKNT   COLIC. 


What  to  do. — Be  careful  about  giving  purgatives.  Act  by  injections 
of  soapsuds  and  oil  of  turpentine  ;  removing  the  contents  of  the  impacted 
tectum  with  the  well  oiled  hand.     Give  the  following  injection : 


No.  90. 


>i  Pint  oil  of  turpentine. 
1  Quart  of  soapsuds. 


HOUSE  DYINQ  OF  FLATUI-KNT  COLIC. 


Repeat  in  half    an   hour  if    necessary.     If    there  is  great  distension 
puncture  the  large  intestine,  or,  where  the  sound  when  tapping  with  the 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  349 

knuckles  is  most  drum-like,  plunge  in  a  trochar  and  allow  the  gas  to 
escape  through  the  canula.    Give  the  following  according  to  circumstances  : 

No.  91.  >i  to  1  Ounce  laudanum, 

2  to  4  Ounces  tincture    asaafoetida. 

Mix  in  a  pint  of  gruel. 

If  the  colic  is  the  result  of  disease  and  exhaustion,  with  much  swelling 
of  the  belly,  try  the  following :  I 

No.  92.  yi  Ounce  chlorate  of  potash, 

>i  Ounce  sulphuric  ether, 
^  Pint  water. 

To  be  given  in  a  half  pint  of  gruel.       i 

Later  in  this  disease  when  it  is  required  to  act  moderately  on  the 
bowels  the  following  will  be  found  useful ; 

No.  93.  yi  Ounce  chlorinated  soda, 

2  to  3  Drachms  aloes. 

Powder  the  aloes  and  dissolve  the  whole  in  a  pint  of  warm  water,  and 
give  when  cool.  During  recovery,  the  health  of  the  animal  must  be 
attended  to.  Give  easily  digested  food  ;  avoid  large  draughts  of  water, 
and  over  feeding.  Give  good  grooming ;  blanket  if  necessary,  and  keep 
the  circulation  active  by  hand  rubbing  of  the  body  and  limbs. 

ni.    The  Bot. 

The  female  bot  fly,  ^strus-equi^  is  too  well  known  to  need  description. 
They  lay  their  eggs  on  the  legs,  flanks,  and  other  portions  of  the  horse's 
body  easily  reached.  The  animal  in  licking  its  body  takes  the  e^g  into 
its  mouth  and  being  swallowed  they  hatch,  and  the  young  fasten  them- 
selves by  means  of  their  hooks  to  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  stomach. 
Here  they  live  and  grow  and  the  next  season  become  mature  and  are 
passed  from  the  animal,  and  undergo  their  transformation  to  the  perfect 
fly  in  the  earth.  So  long  as  the  animal  is  in  perfect  health  they  do  little 
if  any  harm.  But  in  case  of  disease  or  insuflScient  food  they  become 
troublesome.  Or  if  they  exist  in  great  numbers  when  nearly  or  full 
grown  and  they  are  passing  from  the  animal,  they  sometimes  cause  severe 
injury  by  attaching  themselves  to  the  sensitive  lining  of  the  bowels. 
This  irritation  is  not  easily  distinguished  from  other  forms  of  indigestion 
or  colic. 

In  the  Spring  when  the  animal  is  hungry,  and  there  is  indication  of  in- 
testinal diflBculty,  they  may  be  suspected.  If  the  horse  turns  up  his 
upper  lip,  and  if  the  edges  of  the  tongue  are  red  and  fiery  looking,  it 


rf50  ILLUSTKATED    STOCK.   DOCTOR. 

will  be  evidence  of  their  existence.  At  this  time  physic  will  hasten  them 
Away.  A  usual  remedy  is  to  give  once  a  day  for  three  days,  1  drachm 
sulphate  of  copper,  to  be  followed  at  the  end  of  the  time  with  4  drachms 
of  Barbadoes  aloes,  and  repeat  at  the  end  of  a  week  if  necessary.  Or 
the  following  will  be  found  safe  and  effective  ; 

No.  94.  1  yi  Drachms  calomel, 

1  yi  Drachms  powdered  Bavin, 
2  Drachms  powdered  assafoetida, 
30  Drops  oil  of  male  shield  fern. 

Make  into  a  ball  with  molasses  and  linseed  meal,  to  be  given  at  night 
and  followed  next  morning  with  4  drachms  of  aloes. 

In  the. South,  Azedarach  (pride  of  China)  is  grown  around  stables  for 
its  supposed  efficacy  in  destroying  bots  by  being  eaten  by  horses.  If  so, 
it  can  only  be  while  the  bots  are  quite  young.  Since,  after  acquiring 
some  age  and  becoming  fastened  to  the  stomach,  they  resist  alike,  strong 
acids,  alkalies,  irrespirable  gases,  narcotics  and  mineral  poisons. 

Colics,  etc.,  arising  from  bots,  maybe  treated  by  anti-spasmodics  as 
given  under  that  head.  As  a  preventive  against  bots,  keep  the  long  hairs 
of  the  jaws,  breast  and  fore-limbs  trimmed  close,  and  apply  a  little  oil 
daily  ;  and  brush  off  any  eggs  that  may  be  found.  Animals  kept  in  sta- 
bles and  well  groomed  are  seldom  troubled  with  bots. 


<E8TRU8  HBMORRHOiDALis.  2.— Eggs  magnified.    3.— TheBot.    4.— The 

Crysalis.    6.— The  male  fly. 

Another  bot  fly  ( CEstrus  Hemorrhoidalis)  resembles  the  oestris  equi 
quite  closely,  and  deposits  its  eggs  upon  the  lips  and  upon  the  hairs 
under  the  jaw.  Dropping  into  the  food,  they  are  swallowed  and  fasten 
to  the  stomach  in  dense  clusters.  The  larvae  are  somewhat  longer  in  pro- 
portion to  their  bulk  than  the  species  equi. 

When  ready  to  pass  away  they  sometimes  cause  irritation  of  the 
bowels  and  anus  by  sticking  there.  The  same  means  must  be  used  for 
•his  species  as  for  the  other. 

Intestinal  worms. — ^There  are  various  intestinal  worms  that  inhabit  tho 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  55| 

horse,  at  least  three  species  of  tape  worms  and  seven  of  round  worms.  The 
ox  has  two  tape  worms  and  seven  round  worms.  The  sheep  one  tap© 
worm  and  seven  round  worms.  A  good  vermifuge  for  tape  worm  is  the 
following : 

No.  96.  ^  Ounce  powdered  aloes, 

>i  Ounce  powdered  assafoetida, 
1  Ounce  oil  of  turpentine, 

1  Ounce  sulphuric  ether. 

Mix  the  two  first  in  hot  water  and  when  cold  add  the  turpentine  and 
ether,  and  give  in  gruel  as  a  drench.  If  the  animal  is  weak  and  out*  of 
condition,  give  an  ounce  of  areca  nut,  and  follow  with  nourishing  food. 
For  round  worms,  if  suspected,  give  4  drachms  of  aloes,  and  if  worms 
are  found  in  the  dung,  give  immediately  on  an  empty  stomach  the 
following : 

No.  06.  1  Drachm  oil  of  male  fern, 

2  Ounces  oil  of  turpentine, 
yi  Pint  linseed  oD. 

Follow  this  for  three  days  with  a  dose  of  1-2  drachm  sulphate  of  copper 
For  thread-worms  in  the  rectum  give  an  injection  every  two  days  for  a 
week,  of  the  following  : 

No.  97.  2  Drachms  oil  of  turpentine, 

1  Pint  linseed  oil. 

Inject  every  day  for  a  week,  a  purgative  dose  to  precede  the  first  injea 
tion.  A  strong  decoction  of  wormwood  is  also  a  good  vermifuge  used  as 
an  injection. 

IV.    Inflammation  and  Bupture  of  the  Colon. 

This  disability  is  usually  the  result  of  colic.  If  through  constriction  of 
one  part  and  expansion  of  another  rupture  actually  occurs,  the  animal 
will  die.  The  colon  is  the  largest  division  of  the  intestinal  canal.  Be- 
ginning at  the  ccBcum,  (the  commencment  of  the  large  intestine)  it  ascends 
by  the  right  kidney,  passes  under  the  hollow  part  of  the  liver  to  the 
spleen,  thence  descends  by  the  left  kidney  and  passes  in  the  form  of  nn 
S  to  the  upper  part  of  the  os  sacrum.  It  thence  runs  straight  to  the  ani;s 
and  this  part  of  it  is  called  the  rectum. 

How  to  know  Rupture. — The  sides  of  the  flanks  will  be  distended,  there 
will  be  fever  and  heat,  and  the  animal  will  give  evidence  of  its  severe  suf- 
fering.    The  pulse  will  be  hard,  wiry  and  quick,  the  belly  tender,  the 


So2  >  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

ears  cold  ;  the  pain  will  be  constant,  and  medicine  will  increase  it.  Thew 
will  be  great  and  rapidly  increased  weakness.  The  symptoms  are  directly 
opposed  to  those  in  colic. 

What  to  do. — In  the  first  stages  of  the  disease  give  the  following,  m. 
lime  water,  every  hour  or  two  until  three  or  four  doses  are  given : 

No.  98.  20  Drops  tincture  of  aconite, 

>i  Ounce  laudanum. 

in  very  severe  cases  a  hypodermic  injection  of  40  grains  of  chlorel 
hydrate,  to  be  at  once  followed  by  one  of  3  grains  of  morphia,  to  be 
repeated  in  an  hour ;  this,  however,  must  be  performed  by  a  competent 
surgeon.     The  following  may  be  given  by  the  mouth : 

No.  99.  10  Grains  morphia, 

1  Ounce  chloral  hydrate. 

Give  in  sweetened  water,  and  repeat  every  two  hours  until  three  or 
four  doses  are  given,  or  until  the  symptoms  abate. 

Extensive  fomentations  to  the  bowels  will  be  beneficial.  This  may  be 
done  by  folding  a  blanket  inside  a  rubber  cloth  which  is  fastened  over  the 
back.     Keep  the  blanket  soaked  with  water  as  warm  as  can  be  borne. 

If  the  disease  be  inflammation  of  the  bowels,  or  enteritis,  whether  it 
does  or  does  not  follow  an  attack  of  colic,  among  the  symptoms  will  be 
stretching  of  the  lips  upward.     This  may  however  be  done  when  there 

is  abdominal  irritation  of  any  kind.  If  the 
inflammation  be  severe,  so  shown  by  increas- 
ed heat  and  fever,  an  ammoniacal  blister  may 
be  applied.  Dilute  strong  liquor  of  ammonia 
with  six  times  its  bulk  of  cold  water,  saturate 
a  cloth  with  it  and  lay  it  on  several  folds  of 
blanket,  to  be  held  to  the  belly  by  four  men 
N08K  sTBAiNED  ipwAUD.  ^^q  ^jI1  ^^y^^  j^lud  thc  fumps.     Thc  manner 

of  holding  it  is  shown  in  the  cut  on  next  page. 

Watch  the  action  of  the  ammonia.  It  may  blister  within  ten  minutes, 
or  it  may  take  twice  that  time.  Do  not  allow  it  to  eat  the  skin,  else  a 
bad  sore  will  be  the  result.  When  the  proper  effect  is  produced  remove 
it  at  once.  It  should  really  be  applied  only  under  the  direction  of  a 
veterinary  surgeon.  They  are,  unfortunately,  not  always  near.  In  this 
case,  to  save  life,  something  must  be  risked.  The  worst  inflammatory 
symptoms  being  stayed,  give  every  two  hours  until  three  or  four  dose* 
are  given,  or  a  favorable  result  is  obtained,  the  following; 

No.  100.  30  Grains  calomel, 

1  Ounce  laudanum. 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  353 

Mix  in  half  a  pint  of  gruel.  As  the  animal  begins  to  take  food  it 
should  have  bran  and  oatmeal  mashes,  mixed  with  tea  of  slippery  elm  bark. 
Cooked  food  should  be  given,  and  if  carrots  are  at  hand,  give  a  mess  of 
them  boiled  every  day.  Skimmed  milk  is  excellent  if  the  animal  will 
drink  it. 


APPLICATION  OF  AN   AMMONIACAL  BLISTER. 

V.   Inflammation  and  Bleeding  of  the  Bectum. 

This  is  a  diflSculty  that  often  accompanies  or  follows  inflammation  of 
the  bowels. 

How  to  know  it. — There  will  be  heat  and  swelling,  with  or  without 
protrusion  and  bleeding  of  the  rectum. 

What  to  do. — Wash  the  parts  with  a  weak  solution  of  salt  and  water, 
and  also  use  injections  of  the  same  as  often  as  may  seem  necessary.  If 
this  do  not  give  relief  add  a  slight  infusion  of  chlorate  of  potash  and 
golden  seal. 

VI.    Spontaneous  Salivation. 

Causes. — This  infirmity  is  generally  the  result  of  or  symptom  of  some 
other  affliction.  It  is  often  produced  by  something  the  animal  has  eaten. 
White  clover  will  produce  it.  Caries  and  other  diseases  of  the  teeth : 
dentition,  paralysis  of  the  lips,  ulcers  of  the  mouth,  irritating  food, 
irritation  by  the  bit,  and  especially  from  medicaments  attached  to  the  bits 
of  horses  by  ignorant  stable  men.  It  occurs  as  a  free  discharge  of  saliva 
in  frothy  masses  or  in  stringy  filaments,  with  frequent  swallowing,  thirst, 
and  generally  indigestion. 

What  to  do — Eemove  the  cause.  If  the  cause  is  from  alkalies,  wash 
the  mouth  with  weak  vinegar.     If  from  acids,  use  lime  water.     If  from 


354 


ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 


caustic  salts,  use  white  of  egg,  or  tea  of  slippery  elm  bark.  If  there  i« 
inflammation  with  costiveness,  open  the  bowels  with  injections  of  warnx 
water,  or  soapsuds,  and  wash  the  mouth  frequently  with  vinegar  and 
honey.  If  this  do  not  effect  a  cure  wash  the  mouth  with  alum  water. 
If  there  are  ulcers  touch  them  with  a  feather  wet  with  the  following : 


No.  101. 


10  Grains  lunar  caustic, 
1  Ounce  distilled  water. 


If  there  are  tumors  with  pus,  lance  them.     If  there  is  sloughing  wash 
with  the  following : 


No.  102. 


1  Drachm  solution  of  permanganate  of  potassa, 
1  Pint  rainwater. 


Give  plenty  of  cool  water,  so  the  animal  may  take  it  at  will,  and  feed 
with  soft  or  boiled  food,  and  if  there  is  much  swelling,  keep  the  head 
tied  up. 

vn.    Inflammation  of  the  Stomach. 

Causes. — This  disease  is  not  common  in  horses,  and  occurs  rarely  from 
eating  vegetable  poisons,  and  more  generally  from  poisoning  by  arsenic 
given  in  the  food  by  ignorant  stable-men,  to  make  the  horse  carry  a 
shining  coat  and  foam  at  the  bit.  It  is  also  produced  by  the  licking  of 
external  corrosive  applications,  thus  producing  acute  gastritis. 


HORSK  SUFFERING  PKOM  ACUTE  QA8TBITI6. 


The  symptoms  are  various  in  unison  with  the  causes  producing  them. 
These  are,  refusing  food,  extreme  thirst,  redness  of  the  nasal  and  con. 
junctival  membranes,  discharge  of  ropy  saliva,  frequent  eructations  with 
fetid  smell,  colic,  rolling  on  the  ground,  paAving,  striking  at  the  abdomen, 
etc. }   tuck©d  up   flanks,  heaving,  panting,  small,   quick   pulse,    violp  it 


THE   HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  35?) 

straining,  passing  of  mucus  in  large  quantities,  protrusion  and  inflamma- 
tion of  the  opening,  glances  at  the  abdomen,  prostration  of  strength,  con- 
vulsions, madness  and  death. 

What  to  do. — The  first  thing,  if  possible,  is  to  find  out  what  caused  the 
trouble.     If  this  cannot  be  found,  give  at  once : 

No.  103.  3  Ounces  sulphuric  ether,  * 

3  Ounces  laudanum,  ^"■ 

4  Ounces  carbonate  of  magnesia, 
1  Quart  cold  gruel. 

Mix  and  give  as  a  dose.  If  the  pulse  be  low,  add  to  the  above  one 
drachm  carbonate  of  ammonia.  If  the  animal  is  weak,  but  able  to  swal- 
low, take  plenty  of  time,  do  not  use  violent  means.  If  there  is  paralysis 
of  the  throat,  or  the  horse  is  in  delirium,  the  dose  must  be  injected 
through  the  nostril,  by  means  of  a  pump  and  pipe,  or  horse  catheter. 
See  article  tetanus.  As  soon  as  there  is  evidence  of  recovery,  and  in 
fact  whenever  the  animal  will  take  it,  thin  starch  or  gruel  of  flour  should 
be  freely  given  to  sheath  the  mucus  surfaces. 

vlll.    Soreness  and  Itching  of  the  Anus. 

This  is  a  disease  following  inflammation  and  disease  of  the  rectum, 
and  also  produced  by  other  causes.  The  anus  or  orifice  of  the  rectum 
becomes  sore.  There  is  a  peculiar  dryness  with  scurf,  and  to  relieve  the 
itching  the  horse  sometimes  rubs  the  roots  of  his  tail  until  the  hair  is  en- 
tirely worn  away. 

What  to  do. — Attend  to  the  general  health  of  the  horse,  to  keep  the 
bowels  in  a  natural  condition.  Mix  a  little  fine  salt  with  lard  oil,  and 
keep  the  parts  well  oiled,  with  friction.  If  the  trouble  be  inside,  a  little 
goldenseal  well  rubbed  down  with  salt  butter  and  passed  carefully  within 
the  anus,  will  give  relief.  If  the  diflSculty  is  occasioned  by  worms,  see 
that  article. 

IX.    Chronic  Gastritis. 

Causes. — Anything  which  impairs  the  digestive  functions  may  produce 
this  disease.  It  is,  however,  in  its  chronic  form,  extremely  rare.  The 
ordinary  food  will  be  refused,  and  the  animal  will  persist  in  eating  for- 
eign substances — old  lime  mortar,  the  wood  work  of  the  stable,  earth, 
litter  and  bedding. 

How  to  know  it. — There  is  a  dry  cough  ;  the  membrane  of   the  moLth 
and  nostrils  are  dry  and  pale ;   the  breath  is  tainted ;  the  evacuations 
23 


356  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 

wnell  badly ;  the  eyes  are  sunk,  the  coat  dry  and  ragged ;  the  horse  lose* 
condition  »nd  becomes  pot  bellied  ;  the  anus  is  lax  and  prominent. 

What  to  do. — The  cure  will  take  time.  Prevent  the  animal  from  in- 
dulging its  unnatural  appetite.  The  following  made  into  a  ball  will  he 
indicated. 

No.  101.  >i  Grain  strychnia, 

1  Drachm  bichromate  of  ammonia, 
}i  Drachm  extract  of  belladonna, 
1  Drachm  powdered  gentian, 
}4  Drachm  sulphate  of  zinc. 

Give  this  a«  a  ball  once  a  day.  If  after  continuing  several  days  there 
lis  no  improvement,  give  the  following  : 

No.  105.  H  Ounce  liquor  arsenicalis, 

^  Ounce  tincture  ipecac, 
1  Ounce  muriated  tincture  of  iron, 
>i  Ounce  laudanum, 
1  Pint  of  water. 

As  the  animal  gets  stronger  give  an  ounce  of  sulphuric  ether  daily  in  a 
pint  of  water. 

If  the  animal  has  simply  chronic  indigestion,  that  is,  the  disease  does 
not  show  in  the  severe  form  we  have  depicted,  to  improve  the  general 
health  the  following  will  be  indicated  : 

Ko.  106.  1  Ounce  powdered  assafoetida, 

1  Ounce  powdered  golden  seal, 

2  Ounces  powdered  ginger, 

2  Ounces  powdered  poplar  bark, 
5  Drachms  powdered  sulphate  of  iron, 
1  Drachm  powdered  red  pepper, 
1  Pound  of  oatmeal. 

Mix,  divide  into  sixteen  messes,  and  give  one  every  night  in  the  food. 
In  addition  to  this  the  following  will  make  a  good  appetizer : 

No.  107.  1  Quart  brandy, 

1  Ounce  salt. 

Mix  and  give  a  wine  glass  full  night  and  morning  in  gruel,  just  before 
the  food.  The  food  given  must  be  of  the  very  best,  and  that  which  is 
easily  digested.  Boiled  oats,  shorts  and  carrots,  with  sufficient  good  hay 
to  distend  the  stomach.  Keep  the  animal  muzzled  during  the  intervals 
of  feeding,  to  prevent  foul  feeding.  That  is,  eating  litter  or  other  inju- 
rious substances.  If  acidity  of  the  stomach  be  shown,  moisten  the  hay 
i^ven,  and  sprinkle  it  freely  with  magnesia. 


THK    HORSE,   ITS    DISEASES.  357 

X.    Spasm  of  the  Diaphragm. 

Causes. — Hard  riding  or  driving  of  a  horse  constitutionally  weak. 

How  to  know  it. — If  the  horse  is  being  ridden,  there  will  be  a  sensa- 
tion to  the  rider  as  though  a  sudden  blow  was  given  inside  the  horse. 
This  is  from  spasmodic  action  of  the  diaphragm  (the  midriif  or  muscle 
separating  the  chest  from  the  abdomen)  in  drawing  the  breath.  If  the 
animal  is  still  driven  forward  it  sometimes  suddenly  falls  and  dies  oi 
suffocation. 

What  to  do. — There  is  no  cure.  Relief  may  be  given  by  clothing  tlie 
animal.     Lead  him  to  the  nearest  stable  or  shed  and  give  the  following : 

No.  108.  3  Drachms  aromatic  spirits  of  ammonia, 

3  Drachms  tincture  of  ginger 
8  Ounces  laudanum, 
l>i  Ounces  ether. 

Mix  in  a  pint  of  oil  or  gruel  and  give  as  a  drench,  or  give  the  folio mng  ' 

No.  109.  yi  Drachm  camphor, 

1  Drachm  powdered  ginger, 

1  Drachra  carbonate  of  ammonia. 

Mix  with  sufficient  linseed  meal  and  hot  water  to  form  a  ball.  Repeat 
ut  an  interval  of  three  hours  if  relief  is  not  afforded  by  the  first  dose. 

A  horse  subject  to  this  affection  should  have  only  slow  work.  Thd 
diaphragm  may  be  strengthened  by  giving  for  some  time  a  daily  dose  of 
one  drachm  of  powdered  sulphate  of  iron  in  the  food. 

XI.    Bupture  of  the  Stomach. 

Rupture,  when  it  ensues,  ends  pretty  surely  in  death.  Rupture  of  the 
fitomach  is  produced  by  working  or  driving  a  horse  until  he  is  very  hungry 
and  then  feeding  and  watering  unduly.  The  only  symptoms  which  show, 
are  violent  colic,  and  the  tenseness  of  the  tissues.  There  are  many  rup 
tures  where  animals  die,  and  the  owner  does  not  know  what  is  the  diffi 
culty.  If  the  mischief  has  proceeded  to  rupture,  the  animal  may  as  weL 
1)0  killed. 

One  of  the  positions  assumed  by  a  horse  suffering  from  abdorainai 
injuries,  is  this  :  He  will  persistently  sit  on  his  haunches.  Animals 
will  assume  this  position  and  yet  occasionally  recover.  Another  position 
assumed  is,  for  the  animal  to  kneel  and  support  himself  upon  his  bkif 


L, 


358 


ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 


legs.     Such  unnatural  positions  show  the  intense  pain  which  leads  to  sucTfc 
attitudes  to  get  relief. 


CKKATURAL  ATTITUDE  INDICATIVE  OP  ABDOMINAL  INJURY. 

XII.    Gorged  Stomach. 

When  this  occurs  from  over  feeding,  the  bowels  should  be  immediately 
relieved  by  removing  the  contents  by  repeated  injections  of  warm  water. 
Let  the  animal  be  gently  walked  about,  and  warmly  clothed  in  cold 
weather.     The  operator  must  act  according  to  circumstances.     If  discov- 


P08ITION  ASSUMED  BY  HORSE  SUFFERING  FROM  ABDOMINAL  INJURY. 

ered  early,  or  before  colic  sets  in,  give  the  following  to  evacuate  th» 
bowels  after  having  relieved  them  by  injections : 


No.  110. 


6  Drachms  powdered  aloes, 
1  Ounce  sirup  of  buckthorn, 
1  Ounce  tincture  of  ginger. 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  35f 

Dissolve  the  aloes  in  a  pint  of  warm  water,  add  the  buckthorn  and  gin- 
ger, and  give  as  a  drench. 

/ 
Xm.    Inflammation  of  the  Peritoneum. 

Inflammation  of  the  lining  membrane  of  the  abdomen  is  likely  to  occur 
in  all  domestic  animals.  In  ruminants  the  right  side  is  most  affected,  and 
the  animal  will  stand  with  its  feet  well  together. 

Causes. — Injuries  either  from  rupture  of  the  stomach  or  intestines,  or 
from  injuries  to  the  abdominal  walls,  exposure  to  chill  or  cold,  or  giving 
an  exhausted  horse  a  wet  bed  to  lie  on. 

How  to  know  it. — There  may  be  colic,  or  steady  pain.  This  will  be 
acute  when  the  affected  parts  are  pressed.  There  may  be  chill  and  fever 
alternately,  and  loss  of  appetite.  The  pulse  will  be  rapid  and  hard,  and 
the  breath  quick  and  catching,  but  when  eifusion  takes  place  the  breath- 
ing will  be  deep  and  easier  ;  the  pulse  will  soften,  the  belly  will  be  pend- 
ent, and  there  will  be  fluctuations  when  handled,  fram  the  water  contained. 

What  to  do. — In  the  early  stages,  give  full  doses  of  laudanum ;  1  to  2 
ounces,  as  may  be  needed,  to  allay  pain  and  keep  the  bowels  inactive. 
Apply  mustard  poultices  to  the  abdomen,  or  in  extreme  cases  the  ammo- 
niacal  blister  as  previously  described.  Frequent  injections  of  thoroughly 
cooked  gruel  may  be  thrown  into  the  rectum,  but  until  the  worst  symp- 
toms are  past  the  animal  should  take  nothing  into  the  stomach.  As  the 
disease  progresses  favorably,  great  care  should  be  exercised  in  feeding. 
Oat  or  rye  meal  gruel  may  first  be  given.  If  these  agree  well,  give  warm 
soft  bran-mashes,  with  a  little  oat  meal  added,  and  at  length  hay  and 
sound  oats. 

In  case  absorption  of  the  effusion  of  water  in  the  cavity  does  not  take 
place,  which  may  be  known  by  regular  and  ample  staling,  give  6  drachms 
potassa  nitrate,  daily,  until  the  kidneys  act.  If  tonics  seem  to  be  de- 
manded, give  daily  doses  of  1-2  drachm  oxide  of  iron. 

XIV.    Strangulation  of  the  Intestines. 

This  is  produced  by  various  causes,  the  result  of  colic  and  rupture 
being  the  most  frequent.  Strangulation  may  be  produced  by  the  forma- 
tion of  false  membranes,  by  the  involvent  of  the  intestines,  by  the 
rupture  of  the  mesentary,  or  by  tlie  rolling  on  itself  of  the  intestine  until 
it  is  entirely  strangulated.  In  this  as  in  other  abdominal  difficulties,  the 
animal  will  often  assume  unnatural  positions,  as  shown  in  the  article 
Rupture  of  the  Stomach.  If  it  be  a  ruminant,  and  in  good  flesh,  it  is 
better  to  kill  the  animal  at  once.     Some  forms  of  strangulation  in  cattle 


560  ILLUSTRATED   STOCK   DOCTOR. 

of  sufficient  value,  may  be  remedied  by  a  veterinary  surgeon.  In  this 
case,  give  laudanum  in  2-ounce  doses  to  keep  the  animal  quiet  until  the 
doctor  arrives.  Relief  is  obtained  by  cutting  into  the  side  and  releasing 
the  intestine.  For  the  horse  give  opium  in  one  or  two  drachm  doses  as 
the  nature  of  the  case  may  seem  to  require  to  relieve  the  pain,  and  trust 
to  nature  to  effect  a  cure  by  releasing  the  parts  naturally. 

XV.    Functional  Diseases  of  the  Liver. 

The  liver  of  the  horse  is  not  particularly  subject  to  disease.  It  vras 
formerly  supposed  to  be  almost  entirely  exempt,  but  later  researches 
show  it  to  be  an  agent,  through  obstruction,  and  the  principal  local  seat 
of  various  disorders,  as  diabetes,  blood  poisoning  from  imperfect  oxygen- 
ation of  the  albuminoids,  etc.  , 

How  to  know  it. — In  active  congestions  of  the  liver,  which  is  the  dis- 
ease most  usually  prevalent  and  this  principally  in  the  South,  there 
may  be  sluggishness,  irregular  bowels,   abundant  liquid    discharges    of 

deep  yellow  or  orange  colored  dung. 
T^ere  will  be  extreme  and  painful 
prostration,  the  eyes  will  be  sunken, 
the  pulse  excited,  and  the  limbs  will 
tremble.  There  may  be  colicky  pains. 
If  the  last  ribs  are  struck  with  some 
force,  extreme  pain  will  be  shown. 
If  the  horse  faints  and  there  are  pal- 
lid mucus  membrane,  with  quick  and 
weak  pulse,  it  may  be  conjectured 
that  rupture  of  the  liver  has  taken 
TEST  OK  HEMOKRUAGK  FROM  THic  LivEK.      piacc .     lu  tWs  casc,  thc  cud  is  dcath. 

The   illustration   we   give  will   show 
the  test  alike  for  ruptured  liver  and  spleen. 

What  to  do. — In  the  beginning,  that  is  when  the  pulse  is  strong,  free 
bleeding  will  often  check  the  disease.  When  the  pulse  is  weak,  blood 
must  not  be  drawn  ;  or,  if  the  blood  does  not  flow  freely,  close  the  orific* 
at  once. 

Apply  mustard  poultices  to  the  limbs.  Give  one  pound  of  sulphate  of 
soda  dissolved  in  a  quart  of  water,  to  deplete  the  portal  system  and  liver. 
Apply  ice  to  the  last  ribs  to  check  effusion.  Apply  a  blister  over  the 
region  of  the  liver.  Continue  the  sulphate  of  soda  in  doses  of  one  to 
four  ounces  daily. 

During  the  attack  and  recovery  the  animal  must  have  pure  air,  and 


THE   HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES. 


361 


soft,  easily  digested  food,  and  as  recovery  ensues,  daily  moderate  exer- 
cise must  be  given. 

Inflammation  of  the  liver  is  rare.  If  congestion  has  proceeded  to 
inflammation  the  region  of  the  last  rib  will  be  very  tender.  There  will 
be  quickening  of  the  pulse.  The  mouth  will  be  hot  and  clammy ;  th« 
bowels  may  be  at  first  loose,  yellow  and  bilious,  but  soon  become  costive. 
The  heat  of  the  body  is  raised  ;  patches  may  appear  on  the  mucous 
membranes ;  and  the  limbs,  especially  the  hind  ones,  will  swell. 

What  to  do — In  this  case  all  bleeding  should  be  avoided.  Give  as  a 
purge  a  pound  of  sulphate  of  soda  (glauber  salts)  aided  by  injections  of 
warm  water.  After  the  bowels  are  opened,  keep  them  so  with  small 
doses  of  glauber  salts,  six  ounces,  or,  cream  of  tartar  four  ounces  daily. 
If  the  horse  eat  anything  it  must  be  very  light  mashes,  pulped  roots  or 
fresh  grass.  As  the  horse  improves,  give  twice  a  day  two  ounces  of 
Peruvian  bark  or  two  drachms  twice  a  day  of  gentian. 

XVI.   Parasites  which  Infest  the  Intestines. 


■"^j 


The  general  symptoms  for  intestinal  worms,  in  large  quantity,  are 
general  ill  health.  The  animal  will  lose  condition  :  the  skin  will  be  scurfy, 
dry  and  often  itching ;  the  animal 
will  become  hide  bound  and  pot 
bellied  ;  the  appetite  will  be  irregular 
but  voracious ;  there  will  be  fetid 
breath,  diarrhea,  passing  of  mucus 
with  the  dung,  colicky  pains,  swelling, 
itching  and  puffy  anus,  and  especially 
the  passage  of  the  worms  or  their 
eggs  will  be  certain  proof.  The  horse 
will  raise  the  upper  lip  and  rub  it 
against  anything  near.  Colts  will  pick 
and  bite  the  hair  from  the  body  and 
limbs.  The  annexed  cut  will  give  a 
good  general  idea  of  an  animal  suffer- 
ing from  worms. 

Besides  the  bot,  already  treated  of,  which  inhabits  the  stomach,  there 
are  those  of  the  intestines  proper.  These  are  the  tape  worm,  round 
headed  and  flat  headed,  and  five  species  of  round  worms. 

What  to  do. — Vermifuges  are  without  number,  some  general  in  their 
nature,  and  others  specific  for  particular  classes.  When  worms  are  sus^ 
pected,  and  the  owner  of  the  animal  is  not  sure  of  the  reality,  it  is  safe 


COLT  PICKING  HAIB  FROM  ITS   LEG, 
GIVING  PROOF  OP  WORMS. 


362  ILLUSTRATED     STOCK     DOCTOR. 

to  give  a  purge  and  watch  the  droppings.     The  following  is  a  good 
Vermifuge  drench : 

No.  111.  4  Drachms  aloes, 

1  Ounce  powdered  male  fern, 
20  Drops  oil  of  worm  seed. 
Give  this  in  a  pint  of  warm  gruel  an  hour  before  feeding  in  the  morning. 

If  it  be  found  that  there  are  tape  worms,  if  the  horse  is  weak,  give  an 
ounce  of  areca  nut  fasting  and  follow  with  4  drachms  of  aloes.  If  the 
animal  is  strong,  give  an  ounce  of  oil  of  turpentine  in  an  ounce  of  water. 
In  four  hours  give  another  dose  and  follow  in  an  hour  with  4  drachms 
aloes.  In  the  case  of  common  pin  worms,  (^Sclerostomum  Equinuni)  and 
all  worms  inhabiting  the  bowels  except  the  tape  worm,  the  following 
vermifuge  will  act  kindly  : 

No.  112.  1  Drachm  tartar  emetic, 

y%  Drachm  powdered  ginger. 

Mix  with  enough  linseed  meal  to  form  a  ball,  then  moisten  with  hot 
water  and  give  a  dose  daily  for  a  week,  before  feeding.  Follow  with  a 
dose  of  one  pint  of  linseed  oil,  wait  another  week,  and  repeat  as  before. 
Then  give  good  generous  diet,  with  tonics  daily,  say  2  drachms  sulphate 
of  iron,  or  4  drachms  gentian  in  the  food. 

For  worms  lodging  in  the  gut  near  the  rectum,  give  an  injection  of  a 
strong  decoction  of  wormwood  or  tansey.  The  prevention  of  worms  is  to 
pay  attention  to  the  water  the  animal  drinks,  to  be  careful  of  dog's  drop- 
pings in  the  pasture,  and  to  give  sound  grain  and  hay  as  food,  since  lib- 
eral feeding  and  good  general  care  will  often  extirpate  the  parasites. 
For  other  vermifuges  see  article  3  of  this  chapter. 

XVn.    Diarrhea. 

Diarrhea  is  a  condition  of  frequent  watery  discharges  from  the  bowels, 
and  may  be  produced  by  so  many  causes,  as  irritating  and  indigestible 
food,  worms,  severe  purgation  by  medicines,  disorders  of  the  liver,  or 
constitutional  tendency,  that  no  general  rule  can  be  given.  The  owner  of 
the  animal  must  find  the  cause  before  proceeding  intelligently  to  giv« 
relief.     The  most  we  can  do  is  to  give  some  general  indications. 

Sometimes  diarrhoea  is  an  effort  of  nature  to  rid  the  body  of  injurious 
matter;  then  the  effort  should  be  aided.  Early  in  the  effort  give  the 
horse  a  pint  of  linseed  oil,  or  if  an  active  purge  be  required,  a  pint  of 
castor  oil.  If  the  diarrhcea  does  not  cease  check  it  with  ounce  doses  of 
laudanum  and  follow  with  tea  of  slippery  elm  bark,  or  linseed.     If  the 


THE   HORSE,    ITS   DISEASES.  36S 

difficulty  refuse  to  give  way,  doses  of  2  scruples  of  tannin  may  be  given, 
or,  doses  of  3  drachms  of  catechu  every  hour  until  checked.  The  ox 
requires  double  the  dose.  Follow  with  tonics,  say  4  drachms  of  gentian 
daily,  or  one  ounce  of  peruvian  bark,  with  sound,  easily  digested  food.  If 
caused  by  bad  water,  throw  a  handful  of  charcoal  in  the  water  before 
giving  it  to  drink.  The  following  will  be  found  haueficial  in  the  severaV 
cases  mentioned. 

For  sour  and  fetid  discharges  mix  the  following  mgredients  in  the  food 
♦wice  or  thrice  daily.  ^ 

No.  113.  1  Ounce  powdered  chalk, 

1  Ounce  bisulphate  of  soda. 

For  sour  discharges  with  griping,  take  ; 

No.  114.  1  Drachm  powdered  opium, 

1  Drachm  powdered  chalk, 
20  Drops  carbolic  acid. 

Form  into  a  ball  with  linseed  meal  and  molasses. 

If  the  bowels  are  simply  in  an  irritable,  relaxed  condition,  use  the 
following : 

No.  115.  1  Ounce  powdered  chalk, 

1  Ounce  catechu, 
1  Ounce  ginger, 
1  Drachm  opium. 

Make  into  a  ball  with  linseed  meal  and  molasses. 

When  the  diarrhoea  is  the  result  of  violent  medical  purging,  try  the 
following ; 

No.  116.  2  Ounces  laudanum, 

2  Ounces  powdered  chalk. 

Mix,  and  give  in  a  quart  of  thin  starch,  or  flour  gruel.     For  excessive 
and  continued  purging,  give  at  one  dose  the  following : 

No.  117.  1  Ounce  laudanum, 

1  Ounce  sulphuric  ether, 
20  Grains  tannic  acid. 

Mix  in  a  pint  of  flax-seed  tea. 

Astringent  injections  may  be  given  as  follows : 

No.  118.  2  Ounces  laudanum, 

2  Drachms  acetate  of  lead, 
1  Quart  starch  water. 


ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

Inject  half  of  this  and  follow  with  the  remainder  in  three  hours,  if  ne». 
essary,  or  give  at  one  injection  the  following : 

No.  119.  4  Drachms  tannic  acid, 

1  Piat  starch  water. 

fn  carte  of  cattle  the  same  quantities  may  be  used,  but  when  given  bj 
the  mouth  it  must  be  made  to  trickle  slowiy  down  the  throat. 


CHAPTER  Vn. 


SttBASES  OF  THE  LIVEB,  UBINABY  OBOANS,  BTO. 


AACNDICE.  n.   KNLARGEMEKT    OF    THB  SPLEEN.  IH.  INFLAMMATION    OF  THE  KD. 

KEYS. IV.  PROFUSE  STALING,  OR  DIABETES. V.   BLOODY  URINE,  OR  HEMATURIA, 

VI.  THICK    AND     ALBUMINOUS    URINE. VII.   WHITE,     OR  LIME  URINE. VIII. 

«RAVEL,  OR  STONE  IN  THE  BLADDER. IX.   SUPPRESSION    OP  URINE. X.  INFLAMMA- 
TION OF  THE  BLADDER. XI.  FOUL  SHEATH. XII.  RUPTURE   OP  THB  BLADDER. 

•Kta.  SPASM  OF  THE  URETHRA. XIV.  INFLAMMATION  OP  THE  ORGANS  OF  GENERATION. 


I.    Jaundice. 


The  horse  is  subject  to  but  few  diseases  of  the  liver.  Jaundice  or  the 
yellows,  is  a  condition  in  which  the  visible  mucous  membranes,  the  skin 
(if  it  be  naturally  white)  the  urine  and  the  tissues  are  stained  yellow, 
not  by  non-secretion  of  the  bile  from  the  blood,  but  by  the  re-absorption 
of  bile  already  secreted. 

Causes. — Obstruction  of  the  bile  duct  from  any  cause.  Obstruction  of 
the  bowels  hindering  the  proper  discharge  of  the  bile.  Diminished 
fullness  of  the  capillary  vessels  of  the  liver  from  obstruction  of  the 
hepatic  artery  or  aorta.  And  from  undue  secretion  of  the  bile  in  cases 
of  congestion  of  the  liver. 

In  solid  hoofed  animals  the  blood  is  easily  dissolved.  In  flesh-eating 
unimals  it  is  not  so.  Hence,  although  there  is  often  a  jaundiced  appeals 
ance  of  the  membranes  in  horses,  it  is  comparatively  harmless. 

How  to  know  it. — There  will  be  a  general  coloration  of  the  tissues. 
The  mucous  membrane  will  be  yellow.  The  urine  will  be  yellow.  In 
obstruction  of  the  bile  duct  the  dung  will  be  fetid,  and  of  a  clay  color 
from  being  devoid  of  bile. 

3t>^ 


ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

What  to  do. — ^No  general  rule  can  be  laid  down.  The  following  is  a 
good  remedy  for  torpidity  of  the  liver,  when  there  is  general  dullnesa 
and  biliousness. 

120.  1  Pound  Epsom  salts, 

1  Pound  Glauber  salts, 
1  Pound  common  salt, 
1  Ounce  essence  of  ginger, 
1  Gallon  warm  water. 

Mix  and  give  a  pint  from  one  to  three  times  a  day  until  a  gentle  but 
full  purgation  is  produced.  Follow  this  up  with  daily  doses  of  one 
scruple  of  podophyllin. 

This  remedy  will  also  be  indicated  for  cattle,  except  that  they  should 
have  the  following  formula  as  a  purge  instead  of  No.  120 : 

No.  121.  yi  Pound  sulphate  of  magnesia, 

>i  Pound  common  salt, 
2  Ounces  powdered  ginger. 

Give  this  dose  in  two  quarts  of  water  once  a  day  until  a  free  evac- 
uation of  the  bowels  is  produced,  giving  also  daily  one  scruple  of 
podophyllin. 

Saline  purges  do  not  always  act  kindly  on  horses.  If  so  the  following 
will  be  indicated  if  there  is  considerable  congestion : 

No.  122.  30  Grains  calomel, 

1  Drachm  aloes, 

2  Drachms  soap, 

4  Drachms  powdered  rhubarb. 

Mix  with  molasses  into  a  ball  and  give  twice  a  day  until  a  moderate 
operation  of  the  bowels  is  had. 

If  the  disease  occurs  in  the  Spring,  turning  upon  succulent  grass, 
especially  where  dandelion  is  plenty,  will  generally  effect  a  cure. 

n.    Enlargement  of  the  Spleen. 

The  pancreas  and  the  spleen  are  subject  to  a  variety  of  diseases,  very 
diflficult  to  determine.  The  pancreas  is  a  gland  which  secretes  the  pan- 
creatic juice,  by  which  emulsion  takes  place  with  the  fatty  aliments  by 
means  of  a  duct  leading  into  the  intestines.  The  presence  of  fatty 
matter  in  the  dung  will  imply  a  suppression  of  these  juices.  If  there 
are  sharp,  colicky  pains  without  fever,  obstruction  of  the  duct  by  calculi 
may  be  suspected.  If  there  is  general  fever,  with  pain  and  tenderness 
behind  the  last  rib  on  the  right  side,  inflammation  may  be  suspected. 

For  calculi  use  fomentations  of  hot  water  over  the  parts  affected,  and 


THE   HORSE,  ITS   DISEASES.  367 

give  anti-spasmodics,  chloral  hydrate  in  half  ounce  doses  daily,  or  hyos- 
cyamus  extract  two  drachm  doses,  or  belladonna  two  drachm  doses,  as 
the  case  may  be. 

If  there  is  inflammation  give  laxative  medicines,  one  and  a  half  ounce* 
dandelion  ;  blister  the  right  side,  and  confine  the  animal  to  light  diet. 

For  suppressed  secretion  give  one  ounce  doses  of  sulphuric  ether. 

So  far  as  affections  of  the  spleen  are  concerned,  it  is  an  in  vol  vent  in 
diseases  of  the  liver  and  other  glands.  In  highly  fed  animals  enlarge- 
ment ensues ;  in  badly  fed  ones  degeneration  or  wasting.  Obstructed 
circulation  through  the  liver  will  engorge  the  spleen  almost  to  rupture 
sometimes.  In  tuberculosis,  cancer,  glanders  and  blood  poisoning  it  is 
affected.  Anthrax  and  other  fevers  tend  to  enlargement  of  the  spleen, 
sometimes  to  rupture.  So  little  is  really  known  of  the  spleen  and  its 
true  functions,  that  but  little  can  be  done  except  by  giving  general  atten- 
tion to  the  health  and  by  means  of  tonics  and  good  nursing  to  build  up- 
the  health. 

III.    Inflammation  of  the  Sidneys. 


8YMPT0M3  ATTENDING  DISEASES  OF  THE  URINARY  ORGANS. 

Causes. — ^Inflammation  of  the   kidneys,   Nephritis,   is  produced  by  a. 
Tariety  of  causes.     Blows  on,  or  sprains  in  the  region  of  the  loins,  cal- 
culi, the  excessive  use  of  diuretics  to  which  some  stablemen  are  prone, 
musty  fodder,  or  that  which  contains  irritant  plants,  etc. 

How  to  know  it. — There  will  be  more  or  less  fever,  sometimes  a  high 
fever ;  colicky  pains  ;  looking  at  the  abdomen  ;  the  horse  will  lie  down 
with  extreme  caution  ;  frequent  jjassages  of  urine  in  small  quantity,  but 


368 


ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 


very  high  colored,  sometimes  containing  blood  and  even  pus ;  the  legs 
swell  uniformly  from  the  hoofs  up  ;  the  pulse  is  rapid,  the  bowels  costive 
and  the  breathing  excited  ;  the  horse  straddles  in  his  gait ;  this,  however, 
is  a  general  characteristic  of  all  diseases  of  the  urinary  organs,  but  in 
severe  inflammation  it  amounts  almost  to  helplessness. 

There  is,  however,  one  test  that  is  constant :  there  is  extreme  tender** 
ness  of  the  bony  processes  about  six  inches  from  the  spine  in  the  loins, 
pressure  over  the  kidneys  will  show  the  terrible  pain  from  the  crouching 
attitude  the  horse  assumes. 


TEST  FOR  INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  KIDNEYS. 


If  the  urine  is  examined  under  a  microscope,  the  fibrinous  casts  of  the 
kidney  tubes  will  be  found.  In  chronic  cases,  stocking  of  the  legs,  casts 
in  the  urine,  more  or  less  tenderness  upon  pressure  of  the  loins,  and 
general  ill  health,  may  be  all  that  will  be  observed. 

What  to  do. — In  acute  cases,  if  there  is  a  strong  pulse  and  the  animal 
is  full  of  blood,  bleeding  may  assist  a  cure.  It  is  not  always  safe,  except 
under  the  advice  of  a  veterinarian  of  modern  practice.  Bleeding  should 
never  be  practiced  except  in  the  earliest  symptoms.  Give  an  active 
cathartic. 


No.  123. 


1  Drachm  calomel, 

4  Drachms  powdered  aloes, 

Make  into  a  ball  with  linseed  meal  and  molasses. 


Wrap  the  loins  in  woolen  blankets  and  foment  thoroughly  with  an  in- 
fusion of  a  handful  of  digitalis  leaves  in  a  pail  of  boiling  water,  putting 
it  on  as  warm  as  the  hand  will  bear  it ;  or  wring  a  sheep  skin  out  of  hot 
water  and  apply  the  flesh  side,  changing  as  often  as  may  be  necessary. 


THE   HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  369 

To  assist  the  evacuation  and  ease  the  pain  give  injections  of  linseed  tea, 
one  quart,  to  which  an  ounce  of  laudanum  is  added.  Get  up  a  good  sweat 
if  possible.  This  will  relieve  the  kidneys.  Keep  the  bowels  gently  open 
with  laxatives  and  relieve  the  pains  with  anodynes,  and  as  the  animal  im- 
proves, give  bitter  tonics,  3  ounces  of  Peruvian  bark  daily  in  three  doses ; 
•r  an  ounce  of  gentian  in  two  drachm  doses  three  times  a  day. 

rv.   Profuse  Staling,  or  Diabetes. 

This  disease,  called  by  various  names,  as  diuresis,  diabetes  insipidus, 
poluria,  etc.,  is  simply  an  excessive  secretion  of  urine,  causing  loss  of 
flesh,  weakness,  and  at  length  terminating  in  exhaustion  and  a  general 
breaking  down  of  the  system. 

Causes. — The  most  common  cause  is  dosing  with  quack  medicines,  a 
favorite  pastime  of  ignorant  stablemen,  especially  for  "the  water."  It  is 
also  produced  by  musty  hay  and  grain,  new  oats,  distillery  slops,  acid 
diuretic  plants,  or  any  cause  irritating  the  stomach  and  at  the  same  time 
stimulating  the  kidneys. 

How  to  know  it. — There  is  excessive  thirst,  profuse  and  frequent 
staling,  of  pale  colored  urine,  thin,  and  with  little  odor  ;  loss  of  condition 
and  spirits  ;  the  appetite  fails  ;  the  skin  is  hard  and  dry ;  the  hair  harsh  • 
the  pulse  will  be  weak,  whether  fast  or  slow ;  depraved  appetite  for  lick- 
ing noxious  substances. 

What  to  do. — Change  the  food  at  once,  well  seasoned  hay  and  grain, 
with  linseed  tea  given  freely  in  the  drink.  The  horse  must  not  suffer 
from  thirst,  but  inordinate  drinking  should  not  be  allowed.  Iodine  is 
one  of  the  chief  specifics  in  this  disease.  The  following  will  be  a  good 
formula,  to  be  given  three  times  a  day  in  water : 

No.  121.  20  Grains  iodine, 

1  Drachm  iodide  of  potassium, 
4  Drachms  carbonate  of  soda. 
Mix,  and  give  in  water. 

Or,  give  daily  the  following : 

No  126.  2  Drachms  phosphate  of  iron, 

2  Drachms  iodide  of  potassium, 
4  Drachma  Peruvian  bark. 
Mix,  and  give  once  a  day  in  water. 

If  this  does  not  soon  show  a  disposition  to  check  the  disease,  add  15  to 
20  grains  of  creosote  daily. 

Another  good  formula,  to  be  given  once  a  day,  or  in  bad  cases  twice 
daily,  is  the  following : 


870  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 

No.  126.  30  Grains  iodine, 

2  Drachms  sulphate  of  iron, 
>i  Ounce  powdured  gentian. 

Give  as  a  ball,  made  with  molasses  and  linseed  meal.  If  four  or  five 
doses  do  not  show  decided  effect  discontinue.  Six  or  seven  days  should 
effect  a  cure. 

V.    Bloody  Urine,  or  Hsematuria. 

Causes. — Sprains  or  bruising  of  the  loins,  stone  in  the  kidneys,  urinary 
passages  or  bladder  ;  blood  poisoning. 


HORSE  SUFFERING  FROM   BLOOr>Y  URINE. 

How  to  Determine  the  Condition. — If  from  local  irritation,  the  blood 
being  in  a  healthy  state,  there  will  be  clots  of  blood  passed,  and  fibricious 
casts  of  the  urinary  tubes  entangling  blood  globules.  These  may  be 
seen  with  a  good  lens.  If  there  is  gravel  more  or  less  gritty  matter  will 
be  passed.  If  from  blood  poisoning,  the  tests  must  be  made  by  a  vete- 
rinary surgeon,  from  the  urine,  who  can  then  prescribe  the  proper 
treatment. 

Wliat  to  do. — The  general  practice  is  to  give  sound  food,  good  shelter, 
mucilaginous  drinks,  as  linseed  or  slippery  elm  tea,  or  marsh  mallow  tea. 
Also  acid  astringents,  vinegar,  buttermilk,  a  weak  decoction  of  white  oak 
bark.  If  the  passages  are  profuse  apply  cold  water  to  the  loins.  If 
there  is  inflammation  foment  with  warm  water  (cloths  saturated  with  hot 
water)  and  follow  with  a  mustard  plaster.  If  the  bowels  are  inactive, 
give  the  following : 

No.  127.  4  Drachms  aloes, 

1  Ounce  cream  tartar. 

Mix  in  one  and  a  half  pints  of  warm  water  and  give  when  cool,  aiding 
the  operation  by  an  injection  of  one  quart  of  soap  suds  and  four  ounces 
•il  of  turpentine. 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  371 

VI.   Thick  and  Albuminous  Urine. 

This  disability  in  horses,  characterized  by  a  thick,  ropy,  albuminoui 
discharge  of  urine,  is  quite  common  in  its  milder  forms,  being  an  attend- 
unt  on  extensive  inflammation  of  important  organs,  on  rheumatism, 
fevers,  and  some  conditions  of  blood  poisoning.  It  is  especially  attend- 
ant on  inflammation  of  the  kidneys,  both  acute  and  chronic,  attended 
with  degeneration  and  shedding  of  the  epithelium  (the  layers  of  cells) 
iining  the  kidney  tubes. 


POSITIOK  ASSUMED    BY   HORSE    HAVING   ALBUMINOUS   URINE. 

How  to  know  it. — ^There  are  two  special  positions  assumed  by  horses 
suffering  from  severe  secretion  of  albuminous  urine.  One  is  the  stretched 
out  position.  In  the  other  the  back  will  be  roached,  as  seen  in  the  cut. 
In  its  mild  stages  the  urine  is  thick,  ropy,  mucilaginous ;  when  it  first 
begins  to  flow,  of  a  reddish-brown  color,  but  changing  to  a  more  natural 
condition,  ending  with  a  whitish,  milky  fluid ;  sometimes  the  reverse  ; 
commencing  white.  When  the  disease  is  farther  advanced  the  urine  is 
thicker,  more  deeply  tinged,  and  sometimes  offensive  to  the  sense  of 
smell.  It  may  degenerate  into  a  number  of  forms,  and  finally  terminate 
in  Bright' s  disease  of  the  kidneys. 

What  to  do. — Place  the  animal  where  it  may  be  comfortable ;   clothe 
warmly.     If  there  is  inflammation  of  the  kidneys,  foment  with  a  sheep 
skin  wrung  out  of  hot  water ;  or  better,  with  an  infusion  of  a  handful  of 
digitalis  (Foxglove)  in  a  pail  of  scalding  water,  and  use  other  measures 
recommended  in  this  article.     If  it  be  thought  necessary  to  liquify  the 
arine,  not  always  beneficial,  prepare  the  recipe  given  on  the  following  pag«, 
«od  exercise  great  care  in  the  attendant  treatment  as  there  prescribed. 
24 


J72  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK   DOCTOR. 

^0, 1J8,  1  Ounce  powdered  assafoetida, 

2  Ounces  powdered  juniper  berriei, 
8  Ounces  powdered  poplar  bark. 

Mix,  divide  into  eight  parts,  and  give  one  night  and  morning  in  th« 

food. 

The  real  animus  should  be  to  remove  the  cause,  which,  as  we  have 
stated,  is  various.  Attend  to  the  general  health  of  the  animal,  keep  the 
bowels  open  by  a  free  use  of  bran  mashes  and  other  food  of  an  opening 
nature.  Give  a  laxative  if  necessary — say,  5  ounces  salts,  and  Peru- 
vian bark  1  to  2  ounces  daily  at  two  or  three  doses. 

vn.    White,  or  Lime  Urine.- 

The  urine  is  one  of  the  agents  used  by  nature  to  pass  away  the  excess 
of  calcareous  or  other  stony  matter  from  the  body.  So  long  as  the  con- 
ditions are  normal,  even  when  limy  secretions  are  excessive,  it  may  be 
nature's  means  of  removing  this  excess.  When  the  urine  becomes  albu- 
minous, the  calciferous  matter  unites  with  the  albumen,  and  the  result 
is  calculi. 

How  to  know  it. — A  white  matter  will  be  passed  at  the  end  of  each 
urination,  or  the  urine  may  become  decidedly  limey. 

What  to  do. — Attend  to  the  general  health  of  the  horse,  give  none  but 
sound  oats  and  Indian  corn,  and  sweet  clean  hay  from  upland  meadows. 

Sand-like  Deposit  in  the  Bladder. — Sometimes  a  sand-like  deposit, 
or  soft  magma  is  made  in  the  bladder,  and  to  such  an  extent  that  the 
urine  flows  involuntarily  and  constantly  by  drops.  The  remedy  is  by 
means  of  a  stomach  pump  and  catheter,  to  fill  the  bladder  with  water. 
Shake  up  the  contents  with  the  hand  introduced  through  the  rectum,  and 
allow  the  water  to  flow  through  the  catheter.  So  proceed  to  again  pump 
full  and  empty  until  all  the  deposit  is  cleaned. 

When  an  animal  is  inclined  to  this  disability,  1  drachm  of  caustic  soda 
given  daily  ia  the  water  will  correct  the  secretion. 

Vm.    Gravel,  or  Stone  in  the  Bladder. 

The  existence  of  urinary  calculi,  whenever  found,  is  due  to  the  de- 
posit of  mineral  matter  around  some  body  as  a  nucleus.  This  may  consist 
of  mucus,  fibrine,  blood-dot,  or  even  of  a  crystal  deposited  from  over- 
saturated  urine. 

Causes. — They  are  so  various  that  it  would  be  useless  to  enumerate 
them.  Impaired  breathing,  whether  from  weak  or  diseased  lungs,  imper- 
fect action  of  the  liver,  or  impaired  functions  generally,  are  among  the 


THE    HORSE,    ITS   DISEASES.  37;s 

prominent  causes.      Any  cause  favoring  concentration  of  urine  might 
bring  about  the  fermation  of  calculi. 

How  to  know  it. — Cistus  calculus,  or  stone  in  the  bladder,  occurs  in  all 
domestic  animals,  producing  straining  in  the  effort  to  pass  the  urine.  It 
will  escape  in  driblets,  often  drop  by  drop,  or  not  at  all.  Blood  will  often 
be  passed  in  clots,  and  crystals  of  microscopic  calculi  will  be  passed. 
By  introducing  the  oiled  hand  into  the  rectum  up  to  the  bladder  the  stone 
may  be  felt.     Sometimes  there  are  a  number  of  them. 

What  to  do.  — 111  the  case  of  a  female  the  stone  may  be  broken  with  a 
lithatrite.  In  the  case  of  a  male  the  operation  is  called  lithotomy.  The 
male  is  operated  on  standing,  or  else  thrown  on  the  right  side.  The 
operation  must  in  any  event  be  performed  by  a  competent  surgeon,  since 
it  involves  cutting  and  the  use  of  instruments  that  may  not  be  attempted 
by  the  novice.  » 

Preventive  Measures- — The  seed  of  Jamestown  weed,  or  thorn  apple 
(^Datura  stramonium)  has  been  given  with  good  effect  in  preventing  the 
formation  of  large  calculi.  Give  an  ounce  of  the  powdered  seed  in  the 
feed  every  other  day  until  six  doses  are  given.  In  connection  with  this 
give  the  following : 

No.  129.  1  Ounce  oil  of  juniper, 

1  Ounce  oil  of  sassafras, 
4  Ounces  sweet  spirits  of  niter. 

Form  into  four  doses  and  give  one  morning  and  night  for  two  days. 
Animals  predisposed  to  gravel  should  be  fed  on  sound  hay  from  old 
meadows,  sound  grain,  and  watered  only  with  soft  water. 

IX.    Suppression  of  Urine. 

Causes. — Retention  or  suppression  of  urine  is  due  to  so  many  causes, 
especially  in  old  horses,  as  paralysis  of  the  bladder,  meningitis,  lockjaw, 
severe  colic  or  other  acute  disease,  or  from  irritating  drugs  given  by 
ignorant  stablemen,  that  the  operator  must  be  informed  as  to  the  nature 
of  the  case. 

What  to  do — If  it  be  caused  by  paralysis  the  urine  must  be  drawn  off 
several  times  a  day  with  a  catheter.  The  following  will  be  indicated  to 
be  given  internally : 

No.  130.  yi  Drachm  extract  nux  vomica, 

1  Pint  water. 

Give  as  a  drench  twice  a  day. 


3Y4  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 

Another  remedy,  if  one  has  a  hypodermic  syringe,  would  be : 

No.  131.  4  Drops  sulphuric  acid, 

2  Grains  strychnine, 
yi  Ounce  alcohol. 

Throw  one-half  of  one  grain  twice  daily  under  the  skin. 
If  the  difficulty  is  due  to  general  weakness  of   the  bladder,  gire  th« 
following  stimulant : 

No.  132.  20  Grains  powdered  cantharides, 

1  Drachm  powdered  digitalis. 

Make  into  a  ball  with  soap. 

If  there  is  an  accumulation  of  hard  faeces  in  the  rectum  it  must  be 
removed  by  full  injections  of  strong  soap  suds,  and  if  necessary  removal 
of  the  partially  softened  dung  with  the  oiled  hand. 

If  there  is  inflammation  of  the  neck  of  the  bladder,  as  shown  by  heat, 
swelling,  tenderness,  give  injections  of  one  drachm  extract  of  belladonna 
in  a  quart  of  warm  water,  thrown  repeatedly  into  the  rectum  of  horses 
and  into  the  vagina  of  mares.  To  relieve  pain  give  from  one-half  to  twa 
drachms  of  opium  as  may  be  needed. 

X.   Inflammation  of  the  Bladder. 

Causes. — A  disease  very  rare  in  animals,  and  when  occurring  the  effect 
of  violent  external  injury,  or  the  result  of  irritating  medicines,  as  croton 
oil,  cantharides,  administered  by  the  ignorant.  It  is  quite  rare,  and  may 
be  known  by  the  frequent  passing  of  urine,  with  great  pain  and  difficulty. 
As  a  sure  test  gi'asp  the  horse  by  the  mane  half  way  between  the  head 
and  shoulder  with  the  left  hand ;  place  the  right  hand  under  the  flank 
when  all  nervousness  is  passed,  press  more  or  less  strongly  on  the  abdo- 
men. If  inflammation  be  present  the  animal  evinces  intense  pain.  If 
the  muscles  be  tense  and  hard  there  is  no  inflammation. 

What  to  do. — Give  full  doses  of  opium,  two  drachms,  to  relieve  pain. 
Give  linseed  tea,  milk,  and  white  of  eggs  beaten  up  with  water  as  drinks. 
As  a  laxative  to  relieve  the  bowels  give  one  to  two  pints  of  olive  oil  as 
may  be  needed.  Inject  into  the  bladder  the  following  if  you  have  an 
matrument : 

No.  138.  1  Drachm  opium, 

1  Drachm  gum  arable, 
1  Pint  blood  warm  water. 

In  severe  cases  the  ammoniacal  blister  may  be  applied,  as  given  on 
the    next    page,  if   there    is    paralysis  of    the  parts,  with  or  without 


THE   HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  37g 

fomentations.  The  acute  symptoms  having  subsided,  give  small  doses  of 
copaiva,  one  to  two  drachms,  or  buchu,  two  to  three  drachms,  as  may 
seem  to  be  needed.  Give  soft  or  sloppy  diet,  with  linseed  tea,  slippery 
«lm,  gum  arable,  or  other  mucilaginous  drinks. 

^      XI.    Foul  Sheath. 

A  horse  with  a  foul  sheath  is  unfortunate  in  his  ma?5ter,  unless  ths 
difficulty  occurred  before  purchase. 

What  to  do. — Clean  the  sheath  of  all  foul  matter  with  warm  soap  suds, 
removing  all  lumps.  To  wash  the  sheath,  take  hold  of  the  yard  when 
protruded,  and  without  undue  violence  hold  it  with  gentle  pulling  until 
there  be  no  resistance  when  it  may  be  pulled  out  its  entire  length.  When 
washed,  oil  thoroughly  with  lard  and  salt,  three  parts  of  lard  to  one  of 
salt.  Every  other  day  or  every  three  days  wash  again  and  oil  until  a 
cure  is  effected. 

xn.   Rupture  of  the  Bladder. 

This  difficulty  occurs  only  in  the  female,  the  result  of  difficult  parturi- 
tion. The  animal  strains  violently,  and  on  examination  a  red,  tumid, 
rounded  mass  is  shown  between  the  lips  of  the  vulva. 

What  to  do. — Wash  the  parts  carefully  with  tepid  water,  in  which  an 
Dunce  of  laudanum  has  been  mixed  with  each  quart.  Then  return  care- 
fully, by  pressing  the  center  of  the  mass  inwards  to  correct  the  eversion . 
The  difficulty  will  be  in  returning  it  through  the  neck  of  the  bladder. 
There  will  be  more  or  less  inflammation  and  softening,  therefore  care. 
Judgment  and  time  must  be  used,  not  to  tear  the  tissues.  If  there  is 
'renewed  straining,  place  a  truss  or  compress  over  the  vagina. 

Xm.    stricture  of  the  Urethra. 

Stricture  of  the  urethra  is  the  result  of  local  irritation,  the  results  .of 
gravel,  or  of  strong  astringent  injections.  The  symptoms  are  difficxilt 
urination,  with  great  pain  and  frequent  erections.  The  cure  must  be 
effected  by  the  use  of  catheters,  gradually  increasing  them  in  size  until 
the  normal  condition  is  reg-ained. 


"O" 


XIV.   Inflammation  of  the  Organs  of  Generation. 

ci- — ^In  stallions,   there  is  occasionally  inflammation  of   the  testi^^les, 
caused  by  external  injury  and  other  causes.     It  may  be  known  by  the 


376  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK    DOCTOR. 

swelling  of  the  parts,  Ji  straddling  gait,  with  drawing  up  and  again  lef^ 
ting  down  of  the  testicles. 

What  to  do. — Give  a  purgative,  4  drachms  aloes  in  1  1-2  pints  water. 
Foment  the  i)arts  twice  a  day  wath  warm  water.  Then  dry  and  apply  ex- 
tract of  belladonna  or  laudanum.  If  pus  (matter)  should  form,  known  by 
fluctuation  of  the  parts,  open  at  the  soft  part.  If  the  gland  is  involved, 
and  there  is  threatened  destruction  of  the  part,  castration  had  better  be 
performed. 

h. — Inflammation  of  the   Womb, 

Causes. — Bruises  or  other  injuries  at  the  time  of  giving  birth,  or  in 
getting  rid  of  the  afterbirth ;  retained  afterbirth,  or  exposure  to  wet  or 
cold  after  parturition. 

How  to  know  it. — Two,  three  or  four  days  after  parturition,  there  will 
be  an  attack  of  shivering:  pains,  with  looking  at  the  flanks,  similar  to 
those  in  colic  ;  shifting  of  the  hind  feet ;  the  loins  and  abdomen  tender, 
with  aching  of  the  loins  ;  the  vulva  red  and  swollen  ;  there  is  frequent 
straining  vnih.  fetid  discharge.  The  oiled  hand  being  introduced  into  the 
womb,  the  neck  and  body  will  be  found  filled  with  fluid  ;  the  belly  will 
be  tense  and  swollen  ;  the  respiration  and  pulse  will  be  increased,  and  the 
temperature  of  the  body  hot.  There  will  be  grinding  of  the  teeth,  great 
thirst  and  loss  of  power  in  the  limbs. 

What  to  do. — After  having  drawn  out  the  contents  of  the  womb  with  a 
catheter,  fill  it  again  with  tepid  water,  introduced  through  the  tube,  and 
wash  out  thoroughly.  Then  inject  one  drachm  permanganate  of  potassa 
in  a  pint  of  lukewarm  water,  adding  four  ounces  of  glycerine  and  half  an 
ounce  of  laudanum.  Give  a  purgative  dose  to  move  the  bowels  freely, 
4  drachms  Barbadoes  aloes  for  a  mare  ;  (for  a  cow,  1  pound  of  glauber 
salts).  Follow  this  with  20  drops  tincture  of  aconite  four  times  a  day  for 
the  mare;  (for  a  cow,  30  drops).  Give  also  once  a  day  5  drachms 
nitrate  of  potassa,  and  also  once  a  day  1  to  2  drachms  chlorate  of  potassa. 
Apply  a  blister  of  mustard  to  the  right  flank  of  the  mare,  or  for  a  cow, 
mustard  and  oil  of  turpentine.  If  there  is  a  weak  pulse,  prostration  and 
stupor,  use  stimulants ;  quinine  in  15  to  20  grain  doses,  camphor  and 
Avhisky  :  also  antisei)tics,  chlorate  of  potassa,  1-drachm  doses,  or  carbolic 
acid  1-2  drachm  doses  in  a  pint  of  water. 

c. — Leucorrhoea^  Catarrh  of  the   Womb  or  Vagina. 

The  same  general  treatment  is  to  be  observed  as  in  the  foregoing.  It 
may  be  known  by  a  whitish  discharge  from  the  vulva  if  caused  by  re> 
tained  afterbirth.  Repeat  the  injection  recommended  for  inflammation 
«f  the  womb,  daily,  and  keep  up  the  system  with  tonics  and  good  food. 


THE  HOESE,  ITS  DISEASES.  377 

Tfee  following  will  form  a  good  tonic,  appropriate  in  any  enfeebled  oonditioa 
•f  the  mare,  but  especially  so  in  the  forms  of  disease  just  treated. 

Mo.  134  2  Drachms  sulphate  of  iron, 

1  Drachm  black  pepper, 
K  Ounce  ginger, 
X  Ounce  gentian. 
Divide  into  three  doses  for  each  daj. 


CHAPTER  Vm. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  TEETH  AND  MOUTH, 


I.  TEKTHTNO,  OR  DENTITION. II.  SHEDDING  TEETH. m.  BLIND  TEETH. IV.  DECAY 

OF  THE  TEETH. V.   SCURVY. VI.  STUMP  SUCKING,   OR  CRIB  BITING. VII.  LAM- 
PAS. VIU.  INFLAMMATION  IN  AND  AROUND  THE  MOUTH.  IX.  SLAVERING.  X. 

INFLAMMATION  OP  THE  TONGUE. XI.  SHARP  AND  PROJECTING  TEETH. XII.  SCALD 

MOUTH. XIII.   APTHA. XIV.  INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  PAROTID  GLAND.  —XV.  FIS- 
TULA OF  THE  PAROTID    DUCT, 


I.   Teething,  or  Dentition. 

Dentition  in  the  horse  has  already  been  wiitten  of  and  illustrated  in 
the  map  given  in  this  work.  In  teething,  all  animals  suffer  more  or  less 
from  irritation  and  fever  of  the  parts,  probably  as  much  so  as  the  human 
family.  In  puppies  and  in  kittens  it  often  causes  convulsions  between 
the  third  and  sixth  month.  Cattle  are  principally  troubled  between  the 
second  and  third  year,  and  horses  from  the  third  to  the  fourth  year,  since 
in  the  third  year  they  cut  four  front  teeth  and  eight  back  ones,  and  in  the 
fourth  year  four  front  back  teeth,  eight  back  teeth  and  the  four  tushes. 
Hence  the  reason  why  it  is  advised  that  at  this  period  of  their  lives  they 
be  not  hard  worked. 

In  both  cattle  and  horses  the  rising  teeth  are  sometimes  entangled  with 
the  teeth  that  are  being  shed.  There  will  be  redness,  swelling,  tenderness 
of  the  gums,  and  the  inflammation  sometimes  extends  to  the  throat, 
causing  coughing  and  general  fever. 

What  to  do. — If  there  is  slavering ;  if  the  animal  seems  to  chew  hard 
food  with  pain,  or  bolts  soft  food  with  haste,  examine  the  mouth.  Ex- 
tract the  loose  teeth  ;  lance  the  gums  to  allow  easy  dentition  ;  wash  the 
gums  with  tincture  of  myrrh :  relieve  the  bowels  if  necessary  with  gentle 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  379 

laxatives,  and  give  as  much  rest  and  soft  food  as  possible.  Swine  from 
the  sixth  to  the  twelfth  month  usually  cut  thirty-six  teeth,  and  sometimes 
require  attention. 

n.    Shedding  Teeth. 

In  the  shedding  of  the  teeth  the  mouth  should  be  examined  frequently 
for  loosened  teeth,  to  find  if  the  new  teeth  are  growing  properly.  If 
they  are  likely  to  become  crowded,  causing  twisting,  they  should  be 
straightened,  and  if  necessary  one  of  them  extracted  to  allow  them  to 
grow  properly.  Sometimes  there  will  be  disease  of  the  membranes  sur- 
rounding the  roots  of  the  teeth,  causing  loosening,  deviation  from  the 
proper  course,  suppuration,  and  even  shedding  of  the  teeth  with  much 
pain,  even  to  inflammation  and  other  diseases  of  the  gum.  Relief  is  to 
be  given  by  careful  examination,  keeping  the  bowels  open  with  soft  food, 
such  manipulation  as  may  be  necessary,  sponging  the  gums  with  tincture 
of  myrrh,  lancing  the  gums,  and  extraction  of  the  loose  teeth  when 
necessary. 

m.    Blind  Teeth. 

Supernumerary  teeth  may  occur  among  the  nippers  and  grinders. 
When  so  they  should  be  extracted.  Blind,  or  wolf  teeth,  are  not  super- 
numerary, but  natural  as  they  are  insignificant,  and  would  not  be  necessary 
to  notice  here  were  it  not  from  the  fact  that  ignorant  pretenders  have 
given  the  impression  that  they  are  the  cause  of  blindness,  big  head,  and 
even  apoplexy  or  staggers.  These  teeth  are  certainly  useless,  and  occur 
in  horses  (not  in  mares)  immediately  in  front  of  the  grinders  and  may 
be  extracted  without  difficulty  or  injury,  care  being  taken  that  they  be 
not  broken  and  thus  irritate  the  gums. 

IV.   Decay  of  the  Teeth. 

The  teeth  of  horses  under  an  artificial  system  of  management,  are  quite 
subject  to  decay.  Usually  this  is  found  in  the  grinders,  although  it 
eometimes,  but  rarely,  occurs  in  the  nippers. 

Causes. — Anything  that  will  destroy  the  enamel  or  corrode  the  teeth, 
strong  mineral  medicines,  fermentation  in  the  stomach,  breaking  of  the 
teeth  by  biting  hard  substances,  or  natural  causes  from  increasing  age. 

How  to  know  it. — The  horse  will  suddenly  drop  the  food  from  the 
mouth  ;  slavering  and  exhiliition  of  pain.  This  means  toothache  in  its 
acute  form.     The  general  symptoms  are  imperfect  chewing  of  the  food. 


gg,,  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

and  consequent  finding   of   whole  grain  in  the  dung ;    indigestion,  ua 
thrifty  t^tate  of  the  hair  and  skin,  irritability,  loss  of  condition,  generally 

with  swelling  of  the  legs ;  swelling  of  the 
jaw-bone  about  the  carious  tooth,  quidding  of 
the  partially  chewed  hay,  accumulation  of  food 
around  the  tooth,  and  between  it  and  the  cheek. 

What  to  do. —  Put  a  balling  iron  in  the 
horse's  mouth,  and  examine  the  jaws  for  bro- 
ken or  decayed  teeth.  If  suspected,  tap  it 
gently.  If  there  is  inflammation,  lance  the 
A  HOR8K  WITH  TooTHACHK.  affectcd  parts,  aud  sponge  with  tincture  of 
myrrh.  If  the  tooth  is  ulcerated,  it  is  better 
to  extract  it  at  once ;  if  not,  it  may  be  cleaned  and  the  cavity  filled  with 
gutta-percha.  If  tender  from  exposure  of  the  nerve,  it  must  be  relieved 
or  deadened  with  crystalized  carbolic  acid  and  powdered  opium,  before 
filling.  As  a  rule,  in  extensive  caries,  the  tooth  may  be  extracted.  If 
so,  the  opposing  tooth  must  be  occasionally  rasped  down.  The  extract- 
ing of  teeth,  however,  should  only  be  undertaken  by  a  veterinary  surgeon, 
except  in  the  case  of  loose  teeth,  which  may  be  extracted  with  a  large 
pair  of  forceps. 

V.    Scurvy  of  the  Teeth. 

Old  horses  are  subject  to  deposit  of  calcareous  matter,  by  which  the 
teeth  become  ridged  with  a  white  scurf,  extending  down  upon  the  gums, 
inflaming  them  and  keeping  them  sore.  This  is  generally  confined  to  the 
front  teeth.     Young  horses  also  sometimes  suffer  from  this  disability. 

Causes. — Imperfect  digestion  and  sour  stomach,  evolving  gases,  or  any 
cause  injuring  the  enamel  of  the  teeth. 

What  to  do. — First,  find  if  his  system  is  in  good  condition,  or  put 
it  80.  Put  a  twitch  on  the  animal's  nose  and  with  proper  instruments 
remove  the  incrustations.  Files,  scrapers  and  fine  emery  paper  are  the 
means  to  be  used,  the  teeth  afterwards  to  be  oiled.  In  ordinary  cases,  a 
stiff  brush  and  a  mixture  of  tartaric  acid  and  salt  will  do  it ;  rubbing 
afterwards  with  clean,  hard  wood  ashes.  Keep  hard  wood  ashes  and  salt 
where  the  horse  may  take  it  at  will. 

VI.    Stump  Sucking,  or  Crib  Biting. 

Stump  sucking  is  when  a  horse  rests  its  teeth  against  any  projection, 
arches  its  neck  with  spasmodic  action  of  the  throat,  chest  and  flanks. 
Crib-biting  is  when  the  horse  seizes  the  crib  or  other  hard  substance  be* 


THE    HORSE,  ITS    DISEASES.  ggj 

tween  the  teeth  and  pulls,  with  or  without  spasmodic  action.  "Wind 
sucking  is  when  the  horse  suddenly  seizes  any  hard,  firm  substance  with 
its  teeth,  pulls  back,  sucking  in  the  air,  sometimes  with  so  loud  a  spas- 
modic action,  noise  and  groans  that  it  may  be  heard  for  a  long  distance, 
with  swallowing  and  eructation. 

What  to   do It  is  probably  more  generally  connected  with  disease 

of  the  teeth  than  is  generally  suspected,  and  these  should  be  immediately . 
examined  for  cause.  At  length  it  becomes  a  confirmed  vice.  Relieve 
any  disabilities  from  the  teeth.  The  remedy  is  to  allow  no  surface  uncov- 
ered with  sheet-iron  where  the  horse  may  reach  it.  Smearing  the  front 
of  the  manger  with  aloes  has  been  recommended.  A  muzzle  with  two 
iron  bars  projecting  from  the  lower  jaw  over  the  mouth  and  extending 
over  and  between  the  nostrils,  will  prevent  the  vice.  If  the  disease  be 
pure  wind-sucking,  a  strap  fastened  tightly  about  the  upper  part  of  the 
neck  will  prevent  the  effort,  but  there  is  danger  of  the  horse  becoming 
a  roarer. 

Vn.    Lampas. 

Lampas  is  congestion  of  the  palate ;  a  redness  and  swollen  condition 
of  the  bars  of  the  mouth  behind  the  upper  front  teeth,  caused  by  denti- 
tion in  young  animals,  and  in  old  ones  from  indigestion,  causing  pain  in 
chewing  from  the  protrusion  of  the  tender  parts. 

What  to  do. — If  in  young  horses,  the  means  advised  in  dentition,  with 
slight  cutting  (scarifying)  of  the  roof  of  the  mouth,  with  a  sharp  knife 
or  lancet  will  suffice.  In  old  horses,  scarification,  with  a  general  atten- 
tion to  the  health  of  the  animal  will  be  indicated.  In  scarifying,  cut 
only  about  an  inch  back  of  the  teeth,  and  never  deep.  Just  behind  the 
third  bar  an  artery  lies  near  the  surface,  difficult  to  manage  if  cut  through. 
Hence  the  care  required  in  bleeding  in 
the  roof  of  the  mouth.  Should,  by  ac- 
cident the  artery  be  severed,  put  a  strong 
cord  around  the  upper  front  teeth  close 
to  the  gums,  and  strain  it  as  tightly  as 
possible.  This  will  generally  close  the 
orifice  and  stop  the  bleeding.  As  a  wash 
for  the  gums,  the  following  will  be  good  :  buening  foelampas. 

No.  135.         1  Oz.  chlorate  of  potash, 
2  Oz8.  soft  water. 

Never  hum  the  bars  of  the  mouth  for  lampas.     It  is  as  senseless  as  it 


382  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

is  brutal  and  cruel.  Never  use  caustics.  The  bars  of  the  mouth  ai>« 
U!*cful  to  the  horse,  as  the  palate  is  to  man,  and  may  not  be  tampered 
with  with  impunity. 

vm.    Inflammation  in  and  Around  the  Mouth. 

Causes. — Irritation  from  wounds,  bruises,  acrid  or  poisonous  plants, 
ravage  bits,  injuries  from  the  bit,  twitch  or  rope  around  the  under  jaw 
and  tongue,  medical  irritants,  bites  or  stings  of  reptiles  or  insects,  the 
use  of  calomel  and  other  salivating  drugs,  fungus  growths,  specific 
fevers,  etc. 

How  to  know  it. — There  will  be  difficulty  in  feeding  and  drinking,  sla- 
vering with  or  without  fetid  saliva,  swelling  and  rigidity  of  the  lips, 
cheeks  or  between  the  bones  of  the  lower  jaw,  blisters  or  sores  within 
the  mouth,  swelling  of  the  glands,  etc. 

What  to  do — Find  the  cause,  whether  from  mechanical  injury,  irritating 
food  or  irritant  drugs.  If  injured  by  alkalies  wash  with  vinegar  and 
water,  equal  parts  ;  if  by  acids  use  lime  water  or  a  weak  solution  of 
bicarbonate  of  soda ;  if  caused  by  caustic  salts  use  mucilage  of  slippery 
elm,  or  white  of  egg ;  if  from  venomous  bites  apply  ammonia  and  give 
one-half  ounce  of  liquid  ammonia  internally  to  the  horse,  and  one-half 
to  one  ounce  to  the  ox.  For  bite  of  venomous  snakes,  tarantula,  etc., 
cauterize  the  wound  in  addition  and  give  whisky  in  full  doses.  If  there 
Ls  simple  inflammation,  open  the  bowels  with  a  gentle  laxative,  two  ounce 
doses  of  magnesia,  and  wash  with  vinegar  and  honey.  Give  plenty  of 
cool  water  and  soft  food.  If  there  are  ulcers,  touch  them  with  a  feather 
dipped  in 

No.  136.  10  Grains  lunar  caustic, 

1  Ounce  rain  water. 

If  there  is  much  swelling  keep  the  head  tied  up.  If  tumors  resolving 
into  matter  (pus)  appear,  open  with  a  lancet  or  knife.  If  there  is  slough- 
ing of  the  parts  (separation  of  dead  flesh)  wash  with  the  following: 

No.  137.  1  Drachm  permanganate  of  potassa, 

1  Pint  of  water. 

IX.    Slavering. 

Causes. — The  result  of  mercurial  salivation,  symptoms  of  various 
affections,  as  apthous  fevers,  epilepsy,  cutting  teeth,  ulcers  of  the  mouth, 
'irritating  food,  alkalies,  acids,  bad  fodder,  etc.  White  clover  will  often 
cause  undue  secretion  of  saliva  by  the  glands. 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES. 

It  may  be  known  by  the  free  discharge  of  saliva,  great  thirst  and  often 
indigestion. 

What  to  do. — Find  the  cause  and  remove  it.  Give  cold  water  to  drink,, 
and  sound  grain,  grass  and  hay.  Use  as  washes 
for  the  mouth,  vinegar  and  water  or  vinegar 
and  honey.  If  the  saliva  is  offensive,  use  water 
slightly  tinctured  with  carbolic  acid  as  a  wash, 
and  attend  to  the  general   health  of  the  animal. 

EFFKCT  OF  CBUEL  D8E  OF  THE  BFT. 

X.    Inflammation  of  the  Tongue. 

How  to  know  it. — There  will  be  difficulty  in  eating  and  drinking.     The 
tongue  will  be  swollen  and  inflamed,  sometimes  hanging  from  the  mouth. 

What  to  do. — Use  the  same  means  recommended  for  inflammation  of 
the  mouth,  first  having  thoroughly  searched  for  wounds  from  any  sharp 
substance  having  punctured  and  remained  in  the  tongue.  If  the  tongue 
hangs  from  the  mouth  put  the  end  in  a  bag,  and  support  it  with  tapes 
extending  from  the  corners  of  the  mouth  and  tied  behind  the  ears.  Great 
relief  may  be  afforded  the  suffering  animal  by  this  means. 

XI.    Sharp  and  Projecting  Teeth. 

The  remedy  for  this  disability  will  be  obvious.  Secure  the  animal,  put 
a  twitch  on  its  nose,  if  a  horse,  and  a  balling  iron  in  the  mouth  and  file 
the  teeth  until  smooth  and  even,  using  a  rasp  made  for  this  purpose,  flat 
and  with  a  slightly  crooked  handle. 

Xn.    Scald  Mouth. 

Causes. — The  ignorant  use  of  acid  drenches  or  corrosive  drugs  by 
careless  or  ignorant  stable  men.  Medicines  of  unusual  strength  are 
sometimes  sent  with  directions  for  diluting.  If  labels  were  carefully 
read,  and  directions  implicitly  followed,  there  would  be  less  of  this 
distressing  malady,  often  ending  in  chronic  disease  of  the  stomach. 

Kow  to  know  it. — The  mouth  is  red,  often  raw  ;  the  lips  are  in  constant 
motion ,  moving  up  and  down ;  the  saliva  flows  continually,  showing  the 
pain  the  animal  endures. 

What  to  do. — Give  well-made  cold  gruel,  either  of  com  or  oatmeal, 
and  soft  food  if  the  horse  can  take  it.  Boiled  carrots  are  excellent  if 
the  animal  will  eat  them.     Prepare  the  following  lotion : 


584  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

■go.  138.  T)  Ounces  of  powdered  borax, 

2  Pounds  of  honey, 
1  Gallon  of  boiling  water. 

Mix,  let  it  become  quite  cold ;  hold  up  the  horse's  head  moderately  and 
pour  half  a  pint  into  the  mouth.  At  the  expiration  of  half  a  minute 
allow  the  head  to  gradually  drop  so  the  fluid  may  flow  over  the  inflamed 
surfaces.  This  should  be  repeated  several  times  a  day.  Beyond  this 
nothing  can  be  done  except  to  attend  to  the  general  health  of  the  animal, 
which  should  do  no  work  until  entirely  recovered. 

Xm.    Aptha,  or  Thrush. 

A  disease  incident  to  sucking  animals  and  young  horses,  generally 
occurring  in  the  Spring  and  Fall. 

How  to  know  it. — Red  patches  will  appear  on  tongue,  cheeks  and  lips, 
which  assume  a  whitish  color,  caused  by  a  fungus  growth 
(cedium albicans) .  The  lips  swell;  the  tongue  hangs 
out  of  the  mouth ;  vesicles  form  containing  a  clear, 
gelatinous  fluid.  At  length  these  burst ;  crusts  form 
and  recovery  ensues. 

What  to  do. — Give  the  animal  soft  food  as  recom- 
mended for  other  mouth  diseases.  Wash  the  mouth 
with  the  lotion  prescribed  for  scald  mouth,  or  prepare 
equal  parts  of  honey  and  powdered  bayberry  bark  into 
a  paste, with  which  anoint  the  affected  parts  every  night. 
To  purify  the  blood  and  promote  the  general  health  give  the  following ; 

No.  139.  1  Ounce  flowers  of  sulphur, 

1  Ounce  powdered  sassafras  bark, 

2  Ounces  powdered  golden  seal. 

Mix,  divide  into  four  portions  and  give  one  every  night  in  scalded 
shorts  allowing  it  to  get  cold.  Or  give  it  in  cold  gruel  as  a  drink.  This 
prescription  will  be  found  valuable  in  any  case  and  for  all  farm  stock 
when  the  blood  is  thick  and  inclined  to  humors.  Give  fully  grown  swine 
half  the  dose  prescribed,  and  full  grown  sheep  one-third  the  dose ;  that 
is,  divide  into  eight  doses  for  swine  and  twelve  for  sheep. 

XIV.    Inflammation  of  the  Parotid  Gland. 

Causes. — This  gland,  which  lies  in  the  hollow  that  extends  from 
the  root  of  the  ear  to  the  angle  of  the  lower  jaw,  sympathizes  with  in- 
fliimmation  of  the  uppe^  part  of  the  throat,  and  becomes  hot,  tender  and 
swollen  in  almost  ever  case  of  cold.     It  is  liable  to  inflammation  also 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  385 

from  mechanical  injury,  and  from  obstruction  of  its  duct.  In  bad  cases 
of  strangles  or  distemper,  it  will  sometimes  swell  to  great  size  and  will 
break,  a  fistulous  sore  being  the  termination. 

How  to  know  it.  —  When  the  gland  has  become  swollen,  it  is  easilj 
discernible  by  sight  or  feeling.  There  is  a  hard  and  painful  lump  be- 
neath the  ear,  with  a  softer  feeling  about  its  edges.  The  horse  carries 
his  head  stiffly,  chews  slowly  and  with  difficulty,  and  has  some  general 
fever. 

What  to  do. — As  this  state  of  the  gland  is  almost  always  preceded  by 
cold,  and  is  accompanied  by  it,  the  treatment  must  be  first  directed  to 
the  removal  of  the  exciting  cause.  Place  the  animal  in  comfortable  sur- 
roundings, attend  to  the  state  of  his  bowels,  giving  3  ounces  glaubers  or 
epsom  salts,  in  case  of  constipation,  and  a  few  warm  mashes.  Mean- 
while, cover  the  affected  gland  with  a  good  poultice  until  the  inflammation 
is  subdued. 

If  inflammation  results  from  mechanical  obstruction,  that  obstruction 
must  of  course  be  removed  before  any  permanent  relief  can  be  obtained  ; 
and  this  may  require  the  removal  of  a  calculus  or  stone  from  the  parotid 
duct,  which  can  be  safely  done  only  by  an  experienced  surgeon. 

If  attention  is  not  directed  to  the  swelling  until  matter  is  forming, 
allow  it  to  approach  the  surface  and  come  to  a  head  before  attempting  to 
open,  to  avoid  cutting  any  of  the  ducts,  which  might  result  in  a  fistula. 
If  the  tumor  becomes  hard,  use  iodine,  almost  to  the  extent  of  blistering. 

Any  wound  inflicted  mechanically,  as  a  cut  into  the  gland,  or  a  prick 
with  a  stable-fork,  must  be  treated  externally  according  to  its  nature— 
the  main  point  being  to  close  it  so  effectually  that  the  salivary  fluid  which 
it  is  the  office  of  this  gland  to  secrete  cannot  escape  through  the  wounds 

XV.    Fistula  of  the  Parotid  Duct. 

Causes. — The  parotid  duct,  which  is  formed  by  a  union  of  the  smallei 
ducts  of  the  parotid  gland,  enters  the  mouth  after  it  leaves  the  gland,  in 
front  of  the  large  masseter  muscle  of  the  cheeks — having  passed  for 
eome  distance  upon  the  inner  side  of  the  jaw,  and  then  turned  under  th« 
lower  border  of  the  bone.  The  saliva  secreted  by  the  parotid  gland, 
which  lies  at  the  spot  where  the  neck  joins  the  jaw,  is  poured  into  the 
mouth  by  this  parotid  duct,  to  be  mingled  with  the  food  during  the  pro- 
cess of  mastication.  If  the  mouth  of  this  little  tube  is  closed  in  any 
way,  so  as  to  prevent  the  free  egress  of  the  saliva,  distension  of  the  duct 
takes  place,  and  the  confined  secretion  causes  sneering,  inflammation, 
and  finally  rupture.  This  stoppage  is  sometimes  caused  by  hayseeds  or 
other  particles  of  food  that  enter  the  mouth  of  the  channel  while  the 


3^(5  ILLUSTRATED     STOCK     DOCTOR. 

animal  is  feeding.  The  presence  of  food  in  the  mouth  and  the  motion 
of  the  jaw  stimuhitc  the  action  of  the  gland,  and  since  the  saliva  thus 
eecreted  cannot  escape  by  its  natural  opening,  there  is  constantly  more 
and  more  pressure  until  some  outlet  is  found.  This,  as  we  have  said, 
may  be  by  bursting,  or  it  may  be  by  external  accident.  A  wound  inflicted 
on  the  jaw  with  any  pointed  instrument,  as  a  hay-fork,  has  been  known 
to  penetrate  this  channel.  The  saliva  thereupon  pours  through  the  open- 
ino-,  and  by  its  constant  flow  it  prevents  the  healing  of  the  wound,  so 
that  its  edges  speedily  become  hard  and  without  that  liveliness  essential 
to  the  closing  of  punctured  or  gashed  flesh. 

The  stopping  of  this  passage  into  the  mouth  is  said  to  have  been  some- 
times caused  by  calculus  or  stone  in  the  cheeks  of  the  animal.  These,  of 
a  size  exceedingly  large  in  proportion  to  the  size  of  the  duct  in  which 
they  lodge,  have  been  taken  from  the  jaw. 

Every  wound  which  penetrates  this  or  any  other  duct  of  the  salivary 
glands  soon  becomes  a  fistulous  and  offensive  sore ;  the  fluid  secreted  by 
the  gland  finds  its  way  out  through  the  false  opening,  while  none  of  it 
enters  the  mouth  to  perform  its  natural  function  in  preparing  the  food 
for  the  stomach,  so  that  the  horse  soon  begins  to  lose  flesh,  and  finally 
assumes  a  wretched  and  loathsome  appearance. 

The  opening  of  the  parotid  duct  occasionally  occurs,  perhaps,  from  the 
opening  of  abscesses  attending  strangles  or  distemper. 

How  to  know  it. — The  digestion  necessarily  becomes  deranged  when 
the  process  of  mastication  is  carried  on  for  any  considerable  length  of 
time  without  the  foods  being  moistened  by  that  secretion  which  the  paro* 
tid  duct  in  a  healthy  condition  furnishes  ;  but  the  orifice  in  the  skin  under 
the  jaw  or  on  the  cheek  at  the  large  muscle,  discharging  a  liquid  some- 
what resembling  the  white  of  an  egg,  is  the  unmistakable  indication  of 
the  disorder  under  consideration.  Durins;  the  act  of  feeding  this  fluid  is 
freely  discharged,  even  sometimes  squirting  from  the  wound,  and  especi- 
ally so  if  the  food  is  dry  and  hard  to  chew.  It  will  be  noticed  that  in 
chewing  the  horse  uses  the  opposite  side  of  the  mouth  from  that  on 
which  the  opening  occurs,  and  that  the  process  is  slow  and  diflScult.  The 
edges  of  the  wound  soon  become  callous,  the  running  of  the  stream  down 
the  cheek  destroys  the  hair,  and  the  whole  part  has  a  fistulous  and  filthy 
appearan(^e. 

What  to  do — In  the  first  place,  especial  care  must  be  taken  to  keep- 
the  animal,  during  the  period  required  for  effecting  a  cure,  upon  food 
that  requires  no  chewing.  It  should  be  sufficiently  plentiful  and  nutri- 
tious to  prevent  the  uneasiness  of  hunger.  Soft  mashes  and  gruels  alone 
should  constitute  the  diet.     Another  precaution  is  necessary  when  he  is. 


THE   HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  387 

left  to  himself — that  is,  to  tie  him  up  in  such  a  way  as  to  prevent  him 
from  rubbing  the  wound.  This  can  be  done  by  having  a  rein  at  each  side 
of  the  halter,  and  tying  it  up,  one  to  each  side  of  the  stall,  and  suffi- 
ciently back  and  high  up  to  keep  him  from  putting  his  jaw  against  either 
ihe  trough  or  the  wall  against  which  it  stands. 

If  the  wound  has  recently  broken,  shave  the  edges  so  as  to  remove  all 
roughness  and  bring  them  closely  and  evenly  together.     Then  cover  with  : 
collodion,  putting  on  coat  after  coat  until  it  is  strong  enough  to  keep  the) 
wound  from  bursting. 

If  the  sore  is  of  long  standing,  and  the  case  evidently  obstinate,  the 
first  care  must  be  to  determine  whether  the  channel  has  become  closed 
between  the  wound  and  the  mouth,  as  sometimes  happens.  If  so,  make 
a  new  one  and  keep  it  open  by  passing  a  thread  through  it.  This  thread 
must  have  a  flat  button  affixed  to  each  end,  one  inside  the  mouth  the 
other  outside  the  wound,  to  retain  it  in  place.  It  should  not  be  so  closely 
shortened  by  the  buttons  as  to  prevent  its  being  slipped  a  little,  first  one 
way  then  the  other,  until  the  walls  .of  its  passage  have  become  callous  or 
firm,  and  not  likely  to  adhere.  It  must  then  be  withdrawn,  and  the  way 
being  open  for  the  secretion  to  escape  into  the  mouth  the  outside  wound 
must  be  closed.  To  do  this,  make  an  adhesive  fluid  by  saturating  gum 
mastic  with  the  strongest  spirit  of  wine,  or  by  dissolving  India  rubber  in 
sulphuric  ether.  Pare  off  the  edges  of  the  wound  till  the  healthy  skin 
and  flesh  are  laid  bare,  which  may  be  known  by  bleeding.  Now  wash  the 
surrounding  parts  thoroughly  with  warm  soap  suds,  so  as  to  remove  the 
oily  secretion  from  the  skin  and  hair,  and  render  the  latter  dry,  so  that 
an  adhesive  preparation  may  the  more  readily  stick.  When  the  bleeding 
has  stopped  and  the  hair  is  dry,  lay  over  the  orifice  a  piece  of  India 
rubber,  and  over  that  a  cotton  cloth.  Fix  the  cotton  firmly  by  means  of 
the  adhesive  fluid  above  mentioned,  first  attaching  one  side,  then,  when 
that  is  dry  and  firmly  fixed,  stretching  and  fastening  down  the  other 
edge.  Continue  to  fasten  on  these  strips  one  after  another  in  this  way — 
some  of  them  cross-ways — until  there  is  a  good  body  of  them  ;  then 
thoroughly  saturate  the  whole  with  the  adhesive  fluid  and  tie  up  the 
animal  as  already  directed.  When  his  reins  are  loosened  in  order  that  he 
may  eat,  he  must  be  watched  to  see  that  he  does  not  rub  and  re-open  the 
wound . 

This  one  covering,  as  described,  is  generally  sufficient  to  effect  a  cure  < 
but  if  it  falls  off  before  the  orifice  is  entirely  closed,  wait  a  day  or  two, 
«till  feeding  on  soft  food,  and  then  put  on  another  coat  of  the  India 
rubber,  cotton,  and  mastic  solution ;  and  so  continue  until  a  cure  U 
effected. 

25 


CHAPTER  IX. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  HEABT,  BLOOD,  ETC. 


1.  THUMPS. n.  SCROFULA. III.  FEVER,   OR  GEKBRAL  INFLAMMATION. IV.  KNLAKOE- 

MK2IT  OF  THE  HEART. V.   FATTY  DEGENERATION  OF  THE    HEART. VI.  KNLARGK" 

MENT  OF  THE  ARTERIES. VII.  INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  JUGULAR  VEIN.— VUI.  INFLAM* 

MATION  OF  THE  ABSORBENTS. IX.  SCARLATINA. 


I.   Thumps. 


Palpitation  of  the  heart,  or  thumps,  as  it  is  usually  called,  may  occur 
from  fright,  in  highly  fed,  irregularly  worked  animals,  but  is  not  as  a 
rule  connected  with  structural  disease  of  the  heart. 

Causes. — Indigestion,  some  blood  diseases,  sudden  excitement  or  fright 
in  animals  predisposed  to  nervousness. 

How  to  know  it. — ^The  action  of  the  heart  will  be  violent  and  convul* 
sive ;  the  beatings  can  be  seen,  felt  and  heard.  The  disorder  comes  on 
abruptly,  generally  from  excitement,  has  perfect  intermissions  with  ab- 
rupt jarring  thumps,  and  a  jerking  motion  of  the  abdomen,  and  unaccom- 
panied by  redness  of  the  mucus  membranes  ;  excited  eyes,  rapid  breathing 
and  a  more  or  less  sudden  diminution  of  the  palpitation.  If  signs  of 
temporary  excitement  arc  not  present ;  if  the  attack  comes  on  slowly,  is 
constant  with  aggravated  intervals  ;  if  there  is  a  heavy,  prolonged,  une- 
qual beating,  with  red  mucus  membranes  and  swelling  of  the  limbs,  it 
may  be  inferred  that  the  difficulty  is  connected  with  structural  heart 
disease. 

What  to  do. — Avoid  sudden  excitement  and  over-exertion,  but  give 
regular  but  gentle  exercise,  stimulants  and  tonics.  The  following  would 
be  indicated  as  a  stimulant,  either  whisky,  or  1-2  ounce  liquid  ammonia. 
Give  15  to  20  grahis  digitalis  twice  a  day  in  the  feed,  for  some  weeks. 

388 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  389 

If  there  is  a  full,  strong  pulse,  and  increased  size  of  the  heart,  add  to 
the  digitalis  20  drops  tincture  of  aconite,  twice  a  day,  or  drop  it  into  the 
water  given  twice  a  day.  If  there  is  general  debility,  the  following  will 
be  indicated,  to  be  given  twice  a  day  for  several  weeks  ; 

No.  140  Yt  Drachm  powdered  nux  vomica, 

1  Drachm  extract  of  belladonna. 

Form  into  a  ball  with  liquorice  powder  and  molasses,  and  give. 

II.    Scrofiila. 

The  horse  is  not  subject  to  scrofula,  as  is  man,  and  the  lower  farm 
animals.  Swine  are  essentially  scrofulous ;  sheep  are  often  so ;  cattle 
more  rarely,  and  horses  least  of  all.  Yet  that  this  noble  animal  has  the 
germs  of  this  dread  disease  in  his  system,  would  seem  to  be  indicated  by 
ulcers  on  the  liver,  tumors  in  the  glands,  and  tubercles  of  the  lungs. 
Thus  it  may  be  found  in  connection  with  other  diseases,  or  show  itself  in 
eruptive  skin,  or  of  the  organs. 

What  to  do. — Stramonium,  known  to  farmers  as  Jamestown  or  Jimson 
weed,  is  a  specific.  Give  every  other  day  half  an  ounce  of  the  dried 
seed,  bruised,  or  20  to  30  grains  of  the  stramonium  of  the  druggists, 
daily.  The  ox  may  have  from  1-2  to  1  drachm  ;  sheep  5  to  10  grains, 
and  swine  4  to  6  grains  daily,  the  state  of  the  bowels  being  carefully 
attended  to  by  giving  laxative  food  if  costive,  ^r  if  necessity  occur,  med- 
icine, Glauber  salts  in  light  doses. 

III.    Fever,  or  General  Inflainmation. 

When  from  any  cause  injury  is  done  to  any  part  of  the  frame,  or  in, 
flammatory  action  is  set  up  either  in  the  tissues,  membranes,  or  any  of 
the  organs  of  the  body,  heat  is  produced,  and  this  is  fever.  This  often 
becomes  general  from  sympathy,  thus  in  a  measure  relieving  the  pressure 
on  the  more  closely  affected  parts.  Fever  is  not  the  disease  itself,  but 
the  result  of  disorganization,  a  symptom  of  disease,  or  internal  disorder. 
In  fact,  a  symptom  of  disease  arising  from  sympathy  of  the  system  with 
disease  of  the  animal  economy.  Remove  the  cause  and  the  fever  will 
eease.  We  may  do  something  to  alleviate  it  in  connection  with  the  treat- 
fnent  of  the  disease  itself,  but  we  must  not  lose  siffht  of  the  latter. 

In  intermittent  fevers  there  is  a  cold  stage,  a  hot  stage  and  a  sweating 
stage.  These  may  vary  in  succession  and  degree,  but  the  real  difficulty 
is  in  a  morbid  state  of  the  viscera,  but  particularly  of  the  liver  and 
organs  employed  in  the  formation  of  bile,  and  of  the  mesentery.  In 
fevers  the  tongue  is  coated.     Yet  no  quack  is  so  ignorant  as  to  suppose 


390  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK   DOCTOR. 

the  fevor  can  be  cured  by  scraping  the  tongue,  and  yet  this  is  fully  a» 
sensible  as  to  suppose  fever  to  be  the  disease  itself  when  it  is  an  effect  of 
disease. 

In  the  horse  fevers  often  manifest  themselves  through  inflammation  ot 
the  mucous  or  serous  membranes,  producing  catarrh  or  influenza.  Whea 
it  affects  the  mucous  surface  of  the  stomach  and  bowels  it  produces 
extreme  languor  and  debility.  In  pleurisy  there  is  inflammation  of  the 
serous  membranes  within  the  thorax.  The  fever  is  the  manifestation  of  » 
the  disease.  In  typhoid  fever  there  is  inflammation  of  the  brain  and 
viscera  and  especially  of  the  stomach,  intestines  and  peyers  gland.  The 
fever  is  the  attendant  simply  upon  the  cause  of  the  inflammation. 

Fever  in  horses  has  been  described  by  the  author  of  Hippopathology 
to  be  1st.  Common  fever — a  general  diffuse  inflammation.  2d. Idiopathic— » 
arising  without  any  apparent  local  injury.  3d.  Symptomatic — arising 
from  some  local  cause  or  irritation.  The  late  Dr.  Dadd,  V.S.,  very  truly 
says: 

"A  rational  system  of  veterinary  medicine  contemplates,  in  the  treat- 
ment of  febrile  symptoms,  nothing  more  than  a  kind  of  expectancy.  W 
the  patient  be  in  the  cold  stage,  administer  warm  diffusible  stimulantii 
and  diaphoretics,  aided  by  warmth  and  moisture  externally ;  friction  on 
the  extremities,  and,  if  necessary,  stimulating  applications  to  the  chest  and 
the  extremities.  In  the  hot  stage,  and  when  the  superficial  heat  of  tha 
body  is  great,  cooling  drinks  are  indicated  :  water  acidulated  with  cream 
of  tartar,  makes  a  good  febrifuge.  The  patient  may  be  occasional!}' 
sponged  with  weak  saleratus  water.  The  alkali  has  a  beneficial  effect  on 
the  cutaneous  vessels,  while  the  water  lessens  the  temperature  of  tho 
body.  No  treatment,  however,  can  be  of  any  rational  use,  unless  it 
contemplates  a  restoration  of  the  healthy  equilibrium  of  the  whole  system. 
Let  the  doctor  treat  the  disease,  and  a  good,  attentive  groom  can  manage 
the  fever." 

In  treating  general  fever  or  inflammation,  therefore,  we  must  first  find 
the  cause,  and  treat,  giving  such  agents  as  have  been  indicated  throughout 
this  work,  for  the  febrile  symptoms  as  they  occur.  As  a  rule  we  do  not 
advocate  bleeding,  but  in  the  horse  in  the  early  stages  of  acute  inflamma- 
tion, especially  of  the  brain,  and  all  that  class  of  diseases  which  involve 
the  general  system,  and  when  the  blood  is  thick  and  dark,  sometimes 
almost  brown,  bleeding  may  be  practiced  with  success.  It  is  never  well 
however  to  bleed  blindly.  In  apoplexy  and  that  class  of  diseases,  bleed. 
It  is  a  case  of  life  or  death.  For  fevers  in  general  there  can  be  no 
specific.  In  diseases  of  the  blood,  accompanied  by  fever,  alteratives  will 
be  indicated  both  as  a  preventive  and  corrective  of  the  diseased  functions. 
Sometimes  the  condition  of  the  absorbents  are  so  inactive  that  alterative* 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  S9l 

cannot  act.  Here  bleeding  would  seem  to  be  indicated.  Yet  it  Is  better 
unless  in  the  case  of  life  or  death,  that  it  be  not  resorted  to,  except 
Mnder  the  advice  of  a  competent  veterinarian  or  physician. 

IV.    Enlargement  of  the  Heart. 

H}'pertrophy  or  enlargement  of  the  heart  is  an  increase  of  its  muscular 
substance  and  may  be  confined  to  one  side  or  one  ventricle.  Sometimes 
disease  of  the  valves  leads  to  enlargement  much  beyond  its  usual  size. 
Enlargement  of  the  heart  also  accompanies  broken  wind  and  other  im- 
pediments to  the  free  action  of  the  lungs  and  breathing  tubes. 

Causes. — Long  continued  hard  work ;  chronic  indigestion,  or  some 
obstruction  to  the  circulation. 

How  to  know  it. — There  is  palpitation,  the  beats  forcible  and  prolonged, 
the  intervals  of  silence  shortened.  The  first  sound  is  low,  muflied  and 
prolonged,  the  second  loud,  and  if  only  one  ventricle  is  affected  some- 
times repeated.  The  pulse  is  as  a  rule  regular,  except  under  excitement 
of  the  animal,  and,  the  excitement  removed,  soon  returns  to  its  usual 
state.  The  breathing  is  often  hurried,  and  exertion  increases  the  general 
fsymptoms  in  a  marked  manner. 

What  to  do. — Simple  hypertrophy  is  seldom  the  cause  of  imminent 
danger.  It  is  not  unusual  for  horses  with  an  enlargement  of  the  heart 
to  do  steady,  slow,  moderate  work,  and  live  to  be  old.  If  there  is 
dilatation,  weakness,  blowing  murmurs  with  the  first  heart  sound,  spells 
of  oppressed  and  difficult  breathing,  if  the  nasal  and  other  visible  mucous 
membranes  are  livid,  there  is  danger  of  sudden  death  at  anytime. 

Keep  the  animal  quiet,  and  at  only  slow,  moderate  labor ;  never  over^ 
load  or  put  him  to  speed.  Let  the  diet  be  of  good,  easily  digested  food ; 
never  allow  the  stomach  to  become  overloaded.  Give  twice  a  day  from 
20  to  30  drops  tincture  of  aconite  root  as  the  case  may  need.  If  there  is 
broken  wind  or  other  serious  impediment  to  breathing,  3  to  4  grains  of 
arsenic  in  the  food  has  been  found  useful.  If  the  case,  however,  be  of 
long  standing,  or  due  to  permanent  obstruction,  treatment  must  be  simplj 
silleviation.     The  case  will  eventually  end  in  death. 

v.    Patty  Degeneration  of  the  Heart. 

This  disease  is  occasioned  by  a  change  of  the  muscular  substance  of 
the  heart  to  a  fatty  state,  by  which  the  organ  is  weakened,  at  length  lead- 
ing to  rupture  of  its  tissues.  It  is  not  uncommon  in  high-bred  stock, 
including  cattle  and  swine. 


jf,.2  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOK. 

Qauses. High  feeding,  inactivity,  want  of  exercise,  and  the  result   of 

such  diseases  as  purpura  scarlet  fever,  and  diseases  the  result  of  pro- 
found alteration  of  the  blood. 

How  to  know  it. — Debility  in  the  circulation,  irregularity  and  weak, 
ness  in  the  puUe,  lessening  of  the  heart  sounds,  swelling  of  the  legs  and 
sometimes  a  general  dropsical  condition,  dilatation,  a  want  of  correspond- 
ence between  the  heart  beats  and  the  stroke  of  the  pulse,  appetite  irreg- 
ular and  capricious,  and  the  membranes  of  the  mouth  and  nose  a  rusty 
red  color. 

What  to  do. — Humor  the  appetite  with  sound,  easily  digestible  food. 
There  is  no  remedy.  Attention  to  the  general  health,  and  an  ounce  of 
chlorate  of  potash  twice  a  day  in  the  food  may  mitigate  s%Tnptoms  when 
more  violent  than  usual.  In  all  heart  or  arterial  diseases  give  rest,  and 
in  fattening  stock,  do  so  as  quickly  as  possible. 

VI.    Enlargement  of  the  Arteries. 

Dilatation  of  the  arteries  (Aneurism),  is  rarely  found.  It  is  a  thinning 
and  weakening  of  the  coats  of  the  vessels,  sometimes  to  bursting,  causing 
a  pulsating:  tumor  containing  blood. 

Causes. — Severe  strains  in  the  vicinity  of  an  artery,  blows,  kicks, 
stabs,  or  weakening  from  overstretching,  as  in  fatty  degeneration.  In 
the  mesenteric  arteries  of  horses,  they  are  common  from  immature 
worms  (  Sclerrt,<<toj7ium  equhuim)  in  the  circulation. 

How  to  know  it. — There  is  a  soft,  fluctuating,  visible  tumor  if  near 
the  surface,  which  may  be  reduced  by  pressure,  but  which  instantly 
reappears. 

What  to  do. — Treatment  is  not  successful  except  when  near  the  sur- 
face. Then  steady  pressure  by  a  pad  if  taken  early  wiU  sometimes  cause 
its  disappearance.  An  animal  with  enlargement  of  the  arteries  is  un- 
sound and  should  never  be  bought .  The  same  rule  apphes  to  all  diseases 
of  the  heart. 

VH.    Inflamed  Jugular  Vein. 

Causw. — This  is  due,  for  the  most  part,  to  bleeding,  and  the  treatment 
to  which  the  horse  is  subjected,  or  rather  lack  of  treatment  immediately 
after  blood-letting.  It  is  not  to  be  attributed  to  any  particular  manner 
of  bleeding,  or  to  any  awkwardness  in  its  execution  and  in  the  closing  of 
the  wound.  Some  horses  have  a  constitutional  predisposition  to  inflam- 
mation u}X)n  any  occasion  of  punctured  veins,  and  the  most  skillful 
phlebotomist  cannot  avoid  throwing  theoi  into  this  state  unless  care  is  taken 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  39% 

after  the  operation  to  see  that  there  is  as  little  exciting  cause  as  po3sible. 
Inflammation  may,  indeed,  result  from  bruising  the  vein  in  the  act  of 
bleeding,  but  this  must  be  of  so  rare  occurrence  as  to  be  scarcely  worthy 
of  notice.  The  same  may  be  said  of  a  large  and  ragged  wound  made  by 
a  bungling  operator. 

The  motion  of  the  animal  after  bleeding,  and  rubbing  so  as  to  displace 
the  pin  and  tow  by  which  the  wound  is  usuall}'^  closed,  may  be  set  down 
as  the  srreat  sources  of  danorer.  If  the  horse  is  turned  loose  and  allowed 
to  graze  about,  hanging  doyra  his  head  and  keeping  it  down  at  will,  vrith 
his  jaws  in  almost  constant  motion,  inflammation  of  the  vein  is  apt  to 
result.  So,  if  he  is  allowed  access  to  food  in  a  trough  or  stable.  When 
allowed  his  freedom  he  is  apt  to  rub  the  wound  whenever  itching  sensa- 
tions supervene,  as  they  are  apt  to,  and  the  trouble  is  thus  easily  induced. 
If  put  to  the  saddle  immediately  after  blood-letting  from  the  neck,  the 
bridle  reins  may  rub  the  wound,  and  especially  irritate  it  by  disturbing  its 
fastenings  ;  and  if  put  to  harness  the  collar  may  press  the  blood  too 
violentlv  and  constantly  against  the  orifice,  and  so  bring  on  inflammation. 

How  to  know  it. — The  earliest  indication  is  a  slight  opening  of  the  lips 
of  the  wound,  whence  exudes  in  small  quantity  a  thin,  waterv*  discharge. 
A  slight  swelling  appears  ;  this  is  followed  by  a  hard,  cord-like  enlarge- 
ment of  the  vein,  which  feels  hot ;  and  there  is  some  visible  swelling  at 
the  angle  of  the  jaw.  The  swelling  takes  place  above  the  orifice,  and 
the  inflammation  tends  almost  wholly  in  that  direction. 

If  negrlected,  the  second  stage  of  the  disorder  soon  sets  in.  Abscesses 
form  along  the  vein,  and  these  flnally  burst  and  discharge  a  thin  but 
filthy  pus.  These  tumors  are  united  at  their  bases  by  sinuses  in  the 
interior  of  the  vessel. 

It  ma}'  be  reckoned  as  a  third  stage  of  the  disease  when  the  vein  feels 
hard  under  the  skin,  and  the  abscesses  discharge  a  dark,  impure  and 
stinking  pus,  resembling  rotten  blood.  At  this  stage  the  horse  grows 
dull  and  stupid  ;  then  at  last  the  inflammation  extends  to  the  brain,  and 
a  madness  similar  in  violence  and  fatal  effects  to  the  rabies  may  supervene. 

What  to  do. — In  the  first  place,. "an  ounce  of  prevention  is  worth  a 
pound  of  cure,"  and  whenever  it  is  necessary  to  bleed  an  animal,  let  it 
be  done  in  as  neat,  skillful  and  expeditious  manner  as  possible;  then 
close  the  wound  with  care,  leaving  no  part  of  the  fastening  pin  to  project 
over  the  suture  or  winding  of  tow  or  cord  by  which  the  lips  are  drawn 
close  ;  and  at  once  tie  up  the  horse  in  a  stall.  If  the  stall  is  contracted 
in  ^-idth,  it  is  all  the  better,  as  he  will  be  less  likely  to  stir  unnecessaiily. 

Tie  the  halter  above  and  something  back  from  the  manger,  so  that  he 
cannot  rub  his  neck  against  the  trough  nor  anything  pertaining  to  th:it 
part  of  his  stall.      Give  him  no  food  that  will   necessitate  chewing—' 


391  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

nothing  but  a  sufficiency  of  thin,  cool  gruel,  having  in  it  no  inflammatory 
ingredients,  to  prevent  the  absolute  gnawings  of  hunger.  Water  may  b« 
given  in  as  great  quantities  as  he  will  take. 

Allow  him  to  remain  in  this  position  twenty-four  hours.  Even  then, 
do  not  turn  him  into  a  field,  as  the  traveling  to  and  fro,  with  the  head 
often  pendent  and  the  jaws  in  motion  as  he  grazes  may  yet  cause  inflam- 
mation. He  may  now,  however,  be  allowed  a  more  roomy  stable  ;  but 
the  food  should  be  for  another  day  only  such  as  will  necessitate  no  con- 
siderable chewing.  This  precaution  will  in  all  probability  wholly  prevent 
inflammation,  even  in  those  cases  where  the  animal  has  a  strong  consti- 
tutional tendency  to  it. 

These  directions,  however,  are  not  to  be  understood  as  applicable  to 
every  case.  When  a  horse  is  bled  to  relieve  some  sudden  or  acute  local 
trouble,  there  is  really  but  little  danger  of  inflammation  of  the  jugular, 
especially  if  the  acute  trouble  is  attended  with  marked  local  fever. 

When  inflammation  has  actually  set  in,  from  whatever  cause,  the  cure 
is  easy  and  speedy,  if  steps  be  promptly  taken  to  this  end.  If  begun 
while  in  its  simplest  stage,  place  the  horse  at  once  in  a  stall,  as  previously 
indicated,  and  tie  his  head  up  during  the  day — giving  him  food  and  drink 
by  raising  a  bucket  within  easy  reach  for  the  time.  Then  sponge  the  in- 
flamed part  very  frequently  with  the  following  lotion,  as  cool  as  it  can 
easily  be  made : 

No.  141.  3  Ounces  tincture  of  arnica, 

2  Ounces  muriate  of  ammonia, 

4  Ounces  methylated  spirits  of  wine, 

3  Pints  water. 

It  will  be  more  effectual  if  some  soft  padding  is  confined  along  the 
whole  extent  of  the  inflammation,  and  this  kept  constantly  saturated 
with  the  cold  lotion. 

After  the  inflammation  has  subsided,  mix  biniodide  of  mercury  and 
lard  in  the  proportion  of  4  drachms  biniodide  to  4  ounces  lard,  and  rub 
the  vein  well  with  this,  if  it  remains  enlarged,  every  night  until  the  new 
deposit  has  ])een  absorbed,  which  will  be  known  by  its  having  produced 
a  free  watery  discharge. 

The  treatment  thus  laid  down  is  intended  to  apply  strictly  to  the  first 
stage  of  the  disease.  When  the  second  stage  has  set  in  before  treatment 
is  begun — that  is,  discharging  abscesses  along  the  vein — begin  by  remov- 
ing the  pin  and  suture,  if  not  already  done,  and  then  blister  along  the 
whole  extent  of  the  inflamed  and  tumorous  surface  by  rubbing  in  effect- 
ually the  oil  of  cai^tharides,  or  liquid  blister.  One  blister  must  succeed 
another  till  every  sign  of  the  disorder  has  disappeared.  If  the  case  seems 
Vo  be  violent  and  to  yield  slowly,  one  blister  must  not  wholly  cease  to 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  39d 

act  until  another  coating  of  the  oil  has  been  applied — though  this  is  not 
necessary  except  in  '  ery  obstinate  cases.  If  the  liquid  is  to  be  applied 
over  an  old  one,  sfA\  raw,  use  a  fine  brush  with  which  to  lay  it  on,  and 
then  cover  over  with  an  application  of  some  unctuous  oil  to  soothe  th» 
severe  smart  that  presently  sets  in.  Be  careful  always  to  have  the  blia- 
ter  cover  every  9»)ot  where  there  is  indication  of  inflammation. 

If  the  disease  has  progressed  to  that  stage  in  which  there  is  a  foul  and 
hlack  discharge,  the  abscesses  must  all  be  joined  by  slitting  up  the  inter- 
yening  sinuses.  Cut  the  whole  extent  of  the  hardened  vessel  except  a 
little  at  each  9tid,  which  must  be  left  to  prevent  copious  bleeding.  Em- 
ploy a  small,  suitable  probe,  carefully  and  patiently,  and  cut  along  the 
track  indicated,  from  abscess  to  abscess.  Then  apply  the  liquid  blister 
as  directed,  regardless  of  sores  or  cuts,  and  continue  to  do  so  until  the 
paj-t  is  but  one  blister  sore  and  not  a  lot  of  discharging  tumors. 

The  vein  will  of  course  be  destroyed.  Whenever  the  corded  and 
suppurating  state  sets  in  this  is  inevitable,  as  no  human  agency  can 
restore  its  functions  ;  but  this  will  not  seriously  interfere  with  the  circu- 
lation, since  the  smaller  vessels  that  ramify  every  part  of  the  neck  (as, 
indeed,  of  the  whole  system)  soon  accommodate  themselves  to  the  new 
order  of  things,  and  the  life-current  flows  regularly  on.  It  requires 
much  time,  however,  to  bring  him  to  that  condition  in  which  he  will  not 
need  more  than  ordinary  attention.  Throughout  the  day  his  head  must 
be  tied  up  to  the  rack,  while  at  night  he  may  be  loosened  so  as  to  permit 
him  to  lie  down.  The  floor  should  be  covered  with  tan,  as  he  would 
chew  straw,  and  thus  render  cure  more  difficult  by  that  motion  of  the 
jaws  which  is  to  be  guarded  against.  He  should  be  kept  this  way  for 
from  four  to  seven  weeks,  according  to  progi'ess  of  recovery.  Meanwhile 
his  food  should  be  hay  tea,  sloppy  mashes,  and  cooling  gruel  moderately 
thick.  No  solid  food  should  be  allowed — no  corn  nor  oats.  Potatoes, 
carrots,  turnips,  boiled,  reduced  to  pulp,  moistened  and  mixed  with  br»n 
form  the  best  diet. 

At  the  close  of  the  time  designated  begin  regular  daily  exercise — ^very 
little  at  first,  but  gradually  increasing  it,  which  may  be  continued  for  two 
or  three  months,  during  which  time  he  should  not  wear  a  collar,  or  be  in 
anv  way  subjected  to  pressure  about  the  neck.  After  three  months  he  may 
be  restored  by  degrees  to  the  use  of  solid  food ;  but  much  care  should 
be  observed  during  a  whole  year,  after  which  he  may  be  considered 
measurably  sound. 

Inflammation  may  follow  bleeding  from  leg  veins,  and  those  elsewhere, 
but  it  is  most  common  in  the  jugular  and  most  troublesome.  The  treat- 
ment were  prescribed  is  of  course  applicable  in  its  general  principles  to  other 
reins. 


896  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

Vm.    Inflammation  of  the  Absorbents. 

Inflammation  of  the  absorbents  (Lymphangitis),  has  a  variety  of 
names,  among  which  are  Weed,  and  Shot  of  Grease,  and  may  be  a  con- 
stitutional case,  or  a  mere  local  affection.  In  its  constitutional  form,  it 
is  found  in  heavy  lymphatic,  fleshy-legged  horses  that,  hard  worked  on 
heaxy  feed,  are  left  in  the  stable  for  days  together. 

In  its  local  form  it  is  the  result  of  wounds,  bruises,  injuries  of  various 
kinds,  putrefying  matter  in  and  around  the  stable.  It  may  occur  from 
the  specitic  poison  of  glanders,  farcy,  etc.,  and  in  the  constitutional  form 
mav  go  on  to  abscess,  sloughing  and  unhealthy  sores,  and  death ;  or  the 
horse  may  be  left  with  the  limb  permanently  thickened.  In  the  local 
form  there  may  be  abscess,  diffuse  suppuration,  induration  of  the  glands, 
and  even  the  vessels  and  surrounding  parts. 

How  to  know  Constitutional  Lymphangitis — There  will  be  more  oi-  less 
shivering  ;  in  bad  cases  severe,  quickened  breathing ;  rapid,  hard  pulse  ; 
a  general  feverish  state,  and  fever  in  one  or  both  hind  limbs.  Enlarge- 
ments may  be  detected  high  up  in  the  gi'oin,  by  the  side  of  the  sheath  in 
the  horse  or  udder  in  the  mare,  and  great  tenderness  of  the  inguinal 
glands.  The  shivering  fits  will  be  succeeded  by  fever  with  burning 
sweats,  swelled  limbs,  exudation  and  filling,  sometimes  to  the  body. 

What  to  do. — In  mild  cases,  give  moderate  and  daily  exercise,  pay  at- 
tention to  diet,  ventilation,  and  cleanliness.  If  the  case  is  more  severe, 
give  from  4  to  6  drachms  of  aloes,  apply  warm  fomentations  continually 
to  the  limb,  with  w^alking  exercise.  The  bowels  haAnng  been  thoroughly 
moved,  give  diuretics,  an  ounce  of  saltpeter  in  a  gallon  of  water  two  or 
three  times  daily ;  or  10  grains  of  iodine.  In  very  bad  cases,  when  the 
subject  is  plethoric,  bleed  from  the  jugular  vein  until  the  pulse  softens, 
and  proceed  as  before  directed.  For  "thick  leg,"  a  chronic  thickening 
of  the  limb,  bandage  from  the  foot  up  when  the  animal  is  in  the  stable, 
and  apply  tincture  of  iodine  for  four  days,  giving  daily  exercise  ;  or  rub 
the  limb  with  iodine  ointment,  and  give  the  following  once  a  day : 

No.  142.  ^  Ounce  powdered  resin, 

Ji  Ounce  niter, 
10  Drops  oil  of  juniper. 

Mix  into  a  ball  with  liquorice  powder  and  molasses. 
K  abscesses  form,  open  them  with  a  sharp  knife,  and  dress  with  thfc 
following : 


e 


No.  143.  1  Ounce  carbolic  acid, 

1  Pint  distilled  water- 


THE   HORSE,  ITS   DISEASES.  397 

In  the  local  form  there  will  be  slight  ewelling  of  the  cords,  and  redness 
in  white  skins.  The  lymphatic  glands  will  be  enlarged  along  their  course, 
and  become  nodular  or  knotty.  There  will  be  pasty  swellings  of  the 
parts,  and  even  erysipelas. 

What  to  do. — Give  rest,  and  a  purge  of  aloes  as  recommended  for  th© 
chronic  state.     Wash  the  diseased  limb  with  the  following : 

No.  144.  Ji  Drachm  opium, 

1  Drachm  acetate  of  lead, 
1  Drachm  carbolic  acid, 
1  Quart  rainwater. 

In  case  of  excessive  inflammation,  poultice  with  flax  seed  or  bread  and 
milk  to  hasten  suppuration.  Open  the  suppurating  parts  to  let  out  the 
matter,  and  dress  with  the  carbolic  solution  as  in  the  other  form  of  the 
disease.  ^ 

IX.   Scarlatina. 

Causes. — This  disease,  called  also  scarlet  fever,  is  not  considered 
contagious  in  its  milder  forms,  but  in  a  malignant  stage  it  would  doubt- 
\ess  be  as  much  so  as  the  same  disease  in  the  human  family.  It  is 
Jometimes  regarded  as  but  a  mild  form  of  acute  anasarca,  and  not 
entitled  to  be  treated  as  a  distinct  affection ;  but  we  cannot  dwell  upon 
the  niceties  of  classification,  and  where  the  necessities  of  the  case  (the 
knowledge  requisite  for  treating  certain  manifestations  of  disease  success- 
fully) are  met,  it  is  not  important  that  we  should. 

It  generally  follows  influenza  and  other  affections  of  the  respiratory 
organs  ;  and  may  be  justly  said  to  have  its  origin  in  colds,  and  in  some 
cases,  perhaps,  in  the  breathing  of  vitiated  air  in  close,  dark,  ill-ventilated 
stables. 

How  to  know  it. — The  patient  exhibits  great  thirst,  with  a  failing 
appetite,  and  e\ident  weakness.  He  is  more  or  less  unsteady  in  his  gait ; 
his  breath  is  hot  and  stinking,  and  all  the  limbs  are  swollen.  But  the 
most  unmistakable  sigrns  are  elevated  blotches  on  the  skin  about  the  neck 
and  fore  limbs,  and  scarlet  spots,  of  variable  size,  on  the  membranes 
within  the  nostrils. 

What  to  do.  — First,  remove  the  animal  from  its  fellows,  for  fear  the 
disease  may  develop  into  that  putrid  form  which  is  found  so  contagious 
among  children,  and  prove  infectious.  Give  an  occasional  watery  bran 
mash  to  keep  the  bowels  open  and  allay  fever.  If  this  is  not  found 
sufficiently  laxative,  give  a  dose  of  Epsom  salts,  or  linseed  oil.  Guard 
against  too  active  and  violent  purgatives,     Mix  three  oimces  liquor  acetate 


398  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

of  ammonia  with  three  ounces  of  cold  water,  and  drench  with  this  on%« 
or  twice  a  day,  according  to  the  violence  of  the  fever,  for  three  days. 
Meanwhile,  sponge  the  elevated  spots  on  the  skin  with  a  tincture  of 
muriate  of  iron  mixed  with  warm  water ;  or,  if  found  more  convenient, 
put  two  ounces  of  iartshorn  (aqua  ammonia)  into  a  quart  of  soft  water, 
and  use  that. 

There  is  a  tendency  in  this  disease  to  dropsical  effusions,  and  the  limbs 
become  very  much  swollen,  even  during  the  treatment  prescribed ;  and 
by  the  third  or  fourth  day  a  whitish  mucus  will  begin  to  run  slightly 
from  both  nostrils  ;  the  scarlet  spots  will  have  spread  and  become  redder. 
Give  now,  night  and  morning,  one-half  fluid  ounce  sweet  spirits  of  niter, 
for  four  or  five  days.  Discontinue  to  sponge  the  elevated  spots,  but  rub  the 
limbs  closely  and  often  ;  and  blanket  the  animal  if  necessary  to  keep  him 
comfortable.  The  niter  acts  as  a  diuretic,  and  the  dose  and  length  of  time 
it  is  given  must  be  regulated  by  the  effect  upon  the  kidneys.  If  urine  is 
voided  too  often  and  too  freely,  lessen  the  dose,  or  discontinue  it  alto- 
gether. Follow  this  up  with  a  daily  dose  of  twenty  grains  of  sulphate 
of  quinine  for  from  three  to  six  days,  and  continue  to  rub  the  limbs. 
When  there  are  signs  of  returnmg  appetite,  give  him,  in  addition  to  the 
bran  mashes,  a  few  oats  and  a  daily  small  allowance  of  hay ;  and  place 
him  in  a  small  inclosure,  where  he  may  have  such  moderate  exercise  as 
he  may  be  prompted  to  take.  Do  not  fail  to  supply  him  from  the  fii«t 
mih  all  the  pure  water  that  he  will  drink. 


CHAPTER  X. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  BBAIT)  AND  NERVOUS  SYSTEM. 


V  BTDBOPHOBIA,  OR  RABIES. U.  MAD    STAGGERS,  OR    PHRENITIS.  HI.  BLIND  STAflh 

GERS,  MEGRIMS,  OR  VERTIGO. IV.  APOPLEXY,   OR  SLEEPY  STAGGERS. V.  ABCESS- 

WITHDi  THE  BRAIN. 


I.   Hydrophobia,  or  Babies. 

Causes. — This  is  the  name  given  to  a  madness  which  generally  arisen 
from  the  bite  of  a  dog,  though  wolves,  foxes  and  cats  are  also  subject  to 
it  by  a  spontaneous  generation,  and  this  bite  is  as  fatal  to  another  animal 
and  to  man  as  that  of  the  dog.  It  is  believed  by  some  authorities  that 
in  rare  cases  hydropho'/ia  arises  spontaneously  in  the  horse  ;  but  of  this 
there  is  no  proof ;  ar  d  since  it  may  have  been  communicated  by  some- 
thing of  the  dog  or  cat  kind,  even  in  those  cases  where  all  the  outward 
signs  are  lacking,  it  is  safe  to  say  that  the  horse  takes  it  only  by  inocula- 
tion. He  need  not  be  absolutely  bitten.  The  licking  of  bridle-bit  sores 
at  the  corner  of  his  mouth  by  a  mad  dog  is  sufficient  to  introduce  the 
poison  by  absorption  ;  and  if  the  horse  by  any  means  chances  to  take  into 
his  mouth  and  stomach,  with  his  food,  the  saliva  or  spittle  of  a  mad  ani- 
mal, he  will  very  probably  be  attacked,  and  especially  if  the  animal  so 
dropping  the  spittle  is  suffering  with  the  disease  in  its  violent  stage. 
The  poison  is  known  to  reside  in  both  the  spittle  and  the  blood  of  its 
rictim . 

When  once  the  virus  has  been  generated  in  or  communicated  to  any 
animal,  hot  weather,  abuse,  want  of  water,  want  of  good  food,  will  pro' 
duce  that  feverish  state  which  is  so  favorable  to  its  development ;  and  th« 
greater  or  less  time  in  which  it  manifests  itself  decidedly  in  horses  after 
inoculation,  is  probably  due  to  these  conditions  or  the  absence  of  such. 
The  poison  remains  in  the  system,  without  producing  the  positive  syrap* 
399 


400  ILLUSTRATED     STOCK    DOCTOR. 

toms,  from  three  to  eight  weeks.  Some  declare  that  a  longer  period  than 
even  eight  weeks  sometimes  intervenes  between  inoculation  and  positive 
madness  ;  but  such  cases,  if  there  are  such,  must  be  extremely  rare. 
Thev  form  the  exception,  and  contradict  the  great  mass  of  testimony  on 
this  subject. 

The  remote  cause — that  which  produces  it  in  animals  of  the  dog  and 
cat  kinds — we  need  not  attempt  to  discuss,  as  it  can  have  little  if  any 
practical  bearing  on  the  subject  in  hand.     It  may  be  well  to  observe, 

however,  that  most  of  the  lower  animals 
contract  the  disease  when  bitten  by  dogs 
that  are  violently  mad,  whereas  among 
men  it  is  widely  different.  Statistics 
seem  to  show  that  less  than  fifty  per 
cent,  of  the  latter  take  the  disease.  It 
has  been  offered  in  explanation,  that  the 
bite  is  generally  through  clothing,  that 
serves  in  many  instances  to  cleanse  the 
teeth  of  the  virus  before  the  skin  is 
COUNTENANCE  OF  A  HOBsiwiTrRABiKs.  rcachcd.      lu  thc  casc  of  horscs,  the  bite 

is  generally  on  the  lip — a  sensitive  and 
vascular  part,  where  the  absorbents  are  readily  reached. 

How  to  know  it. — Blood  on  the  lips,  or  elsewhere,  with  marks  of 
violence,  are  of  course  to  be  regarded  as  symptoms  of  dog  bite,  if  any 
known  occasion  for  such  a  thing  has  existed ;  ant*  for  a  few  days  these 
will  be  the  only  indications.  If  the  horse  is  high  tad  and  full  of  blood, 
and  the  weather  is  hot,  the  poison  may  begin  to  produce  outward  effects 
in  from  five  to  ten  days  by  a  swelling  of  the  bitten  parts,  and  by  a  diffi- 
culty manifested  in  swallowing.  In  from  twelve  to  fifteen  days  there  is 
perceptibly  increased  pulsation  ;  inflamed  throat,  with  thickening  of  the 
membrane  that  lines  it ;  from  the  fifteenth  to  the  twentieth  day  the 
stomach  inflames,  and  perhaps  rejects  food, — but  nothing  certainly  can 
be  stated  as  to  this  point,  since  here  the  symptoms  vary  greatly  with 
different  animals :  in  some  cases  the  appetite  is  voracious,  and  so  morbid 
that  the  sufferer  will  devour  his  own  excrement  and  urine.  Sometimes 
he  will  exhibit  burning  thirst  and  drink  freely,  while  again  water  will 
cause  spasmodic  movements  and  be  avoided  with  horror.  But  in  general, 
the  appetite  is  destroyed,  and  that  dread  of  water  which  characterizes 
thc  disease  in  man  is  present  in  the  horse. 

In  a  very  short  time  the  indications  increase,  and  usually  (as  we 
have  said,  with  full  blooded,  feverishly  disposed  horses,  at  a  time  of  high 
temperature)  before  the  twentieth  day,  absolute  madness  sets  in.     He 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES. 


40i 


rx)w  rubs  the  bitten  part  against  anything  convenient  with  increased 
violence  ;  sometimes  instead  of  rubbing  he  will  bite  and  tear  the  wound ; 
the  eves  assume  a  wilder  and  more  unnatural  appearance ;  some  patients 
neigh  squeakingly,  shove  out  the  tongue,  or  gnash  the  teeth.  The  progress 
of  the  disease  is  now  very  rapid  ;  generally  there  is  profuse  sweating ; 
there  is  suppression  of  the  urine,  and  inflammation  of  the  parts  of 
generation ;  his  countenance  changes  from  a  look  of  anxiety  to  one  of 
cunning  and  a  sort  of  grinning  ferocity,  and  there  is  an  irrepressible 
desire  to  bite  man  or  animal  —  whatever  living  thing  may  be  within  reach  ; 
he  gazes  sometimes  at  an  imaginary  object  and  springs  and  snaps  madly 
at  vacancy  ;  his  propensity  to  destroy  grows  with  his  pain,  and  at  last  he 
wreaks  his  fury  upon  inanimate  objects — the  manger,  or  trough,  the 
rack,  whatever  is  seizeable  in  his  stall  is  torn  to  pieces  with  his  teeth  or 
smashed  with  his  feet ;  if  not  confined  he  darts  ferociously  at  whatever 
object  of  attack  may  present  itself ;  plunges  about  like  a  demon  of 
destruction,  snorts,  foams,  sometimes  uttering  a  kind  of  crying  neigh, 
and  perhaps  beats  himself  to  death  before  the  last  and  comparatively 
kelpless  stage  ctjnes  on. 


DBSTBDCTIYK  IMPULSS  OF  BTDROPHOBIA. 


If  not  destroyed  before  the  disease  has  run  its  course,  paralysis, 
usually  confined  to  the  loins  and  the  hinder  extremities,  sets  in,  and 
involves  with  it  all  those  organs  which  depend  for  their  nervous  influence 
upon  the  posterior  portion  of  the  spinal  cord.  Unable  to  stand  upon  the 
hind  legs,  the  animal  will  sit  on  his  haunches,  and  strike  and  paw  with 
his  fore  feet.  The  suffering  is  sometimes  rendered  more  terrible  by 
tenesmus  or  retching  of  the  bowels,  which  seem  dreadfully  oppressed  but 
have  lost  the  power  to  act,  while  the  kidneys  are  fevered  and  torpid  and 
the  urine  cannot  be  voided. 


402  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 

It  sometimes  happens  that  the  disease  *is  developed  by  exertion  and 
heat,  when  no  previous  indications  have  been  manifest,  and  shows  itself 
in  a  peculiar  manner.  The  horse  stops  all  at  once  in  his  work,  heaves, 
paws  nervously,  trembles,  staggers  and  falls.  In  a  moment  he  will  be 
up,  and  may,  if  put  to  it,  proceed  for  a  few  moments,  when  he  will  stop, 
stare  about,  and  lie  down  again.  This  stage  is  sometimes  mistaken  for 
blind  staggers,  but  it  may  be  distinguished  by  observing  that  in  blind 
staggers  the  horse  loses  his  senses,  while  in  hydrophobia  he  is  always 
conscious,  often  acutely  intelligent  and  observing. 

What  to  do — This  is  a  disorder  of  so  dreadful  and  dangerous  a  charac- 
ter that  some  of  the  ablest  veterinarians  do  not  hesitate  to  advise  the 
instant  killing  of  the  sufferer ;  and  they  refuse  to  give  any  directions  for 
attempting  a  cure.  When  the  furious  stage  has  come  on  there  seems  ta 
be  a  sort  of  demoniac  maliciousness  and  treachery,  with  a  watchful  cun- 
ning, that  makes  it  hazardous  for  friend  or  stranger  to  trust  himself  any- 
where within  reach.  It  is  extremely  doubtful,  too,  whether  recovery 
ever  takes  place  after  the  madness  is  developed. 

Yet,  it  is  not  improbable  that  much  may  be  done  in  the  way  of  prevent 
tion  after  the  bite  has  been  inflicted.  The  first  step  is  to  check  the  flow 
of  blood  from  the  part,  if  possible,  to  prevent  the  rapid  spread  of  the 
poison  over  the  system.  If  a  limb  has  been  bitten,  this  may  be  done  by 
tying  a  handkerchief  around  it,  above  the  wound,  and  twisting  with  a 
stick  until  a  suflScient  degree  of  compression  is  had.  Then  cauterize  the 
wound  thoroughly,  making  sure  that  the  very  deepest  recesses  of  every 
tooth  print  or  lacerated  place  is  reached.  Lunar  caustic  is  best,  because 
most  easily  and  surely  handled  ;  but  if  impossible  to  get  a  stick  of  this, 
any  convenient  caustic  may  be  applied,  as  oil  of  vitriol,  nitric  acid,  caus- 
tic potash,  butter  of  antimony,  etc.  :  or,  a  small  iron,  not  too  sharp, 
heated  to  a  white  heat  and  cleaned  of  scales,  will  answer  if  the  animal 
can  be  kept  still  enough  to  apply  without  danger  of  injuring  him  other- 
wise. The  handkerchief  should  be  left  on  tight  until  the  cauterization, 
is  effected. 

Cauterizing  thoroughly,  even  two  or  three  days  after  the  injury,  may 
result  in  saving  the  animal,  as  the  absorption  does  not  always  speedily 
take  place. 

If  the  wound  is  upon  a  part  that  forbids  the  use  of  the  handkerchief, 
it  may  be  cut  open  to  its  depth,  and  a  freer  flow  encouraged,  both  by  the- 
larger  opening  and  by  squeezing  and  wringing — soaking,  meanwhile,  with 
warm  water.  Then  use  the  lunar  caustic  wherever  a  siffn  of  tooth  mark 
can  be  seen. 

But  when  unobserved  till  the  virulent  stage  has  come  on,  it  is  not  even 
known  to  science  that  anything  can  be  done  to  save  ;   and  the  best,  the 


THE   HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  403 

most  merciful  thing  to  do  is  to  shoot  at  once.  When  there  are  strong 
symptoms  of  madness,  but  still  some  doubt,  put  him  by  himself  in  a  sta- 
ble, bare  of  everything  destructible  except  food  and  water,  which  must 
be  placed  where  he  can  get  it,  and  barricade  the  door.  Leave  a  window 
open  for  observation,  and  keep  him  here  until  the  symptoms  disappear 
or  hydrophobia  is  unmistakable — then  act  accordingly. 

II.    Mad  Staggers. 

Causes. — This  disease  is  sometimes  known  by  the  more  learned  term  of 
phrenitis  (the  delirium  of  fever  ;  frenzy,  raving)  ;  but  it  will  be  by  prac- 
tical men  most  readily  recognized  when  treated  of  under  its  old  and  fa- 
miliar name. 

It  is  an  inflamed  condition  of  the  brain  and  its  covering,  with  effusion 
of  the  small  cavities  and  the  spaces  between  the  membrane  and  the  brain 
itself.  Sometimes  both  the  brain  and  its  membranous  covering  are  in- 
volved in  this  inflammation,  sometimes  but  one,  and  that  most  frequently 
the  membrane. 

It  may  be  caused  by  concussion  of  the  brain  by  reason  of  blows  upon 
the  head.  The  brutality  of  a  driver,  which  finds  its  gratification  in  using 
the  butt  of  his  whip  upon  the  head  of  the  horse,  may  result  in  a  frac- 
tured skull,  to  be  followed  by  slight  pressure  upon  the  brain,  a  speedy 
fever  and  the  consequent  determination  of  too  much  blood  to  the  head, 
which,  combined  with  the  burning  inflammation,  brings  on  this  madness, 
perhaps  death. 

Among  the  causes  other  than  violence  we  may  name  the  following : 
The  sluffsino:  of  the  vessels  of  the  brain  with  clots  formed  elsewhere  in 
the  system  by  some  abnormal  action  ;  the  growth  of  tumors  upon  the 
brain  or  upon  its  covering,  from  some  remote  and  probably  hidden  cause  ; 
sudden  and  great  changes  of  temperature  in  the  body  brought  about  by 
instantaneous  exposure  to  extreme  heat  or  cold ;  over-exertion  in  pletho- 
ric or  full-blooded  animals,  especially  in  hot  weather ;  congestion  from 
close  collar,  short-drawn  check,  or  tight  throat-latch ;  congestion  from 
internal  compression,  as  by  over-loading  stomach  and  bowels  ;  feeding  on 
parasitic  grasses  or  smut,  of  which  rye  grass  may  be  noted  as  the  most 
hurtful ;  infection  of  the  blood  by  poisonous  animal  matter  or  fluids ; 
imprudent  over-feeding  and  insufficient  exercise. 

How  to  know  it. — The  symptoms  often  differ  but  little  from  apoplexy, 
comparing  the^rs^  stage  of  each,  but  they  may  generally  be  distinguished 
by  this  :  that  in  mad  staggers  the  horse  is  not  so  comatose,  or  sleepy  an<l 
insensible,  as  in  apoplexy.  Light  affects  his  eye  a  little,  and  he  is  sen!>i- 
tive  to  the  whip,  whereas  the  horse  laboring  under  a  genuine  attack  of 
26 


404 


ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 


apoplexy  seems  blind,  deaf,  and  without  bodily  feeling.  In  sonm 
instances  in  mad  staggers,  it  is  true,  the  animal  may  sleep  till  he  drops, 
but  on  recovering  himself  he  will  manifest  the  sensitiveness  above 
described. 

Occasionally,  the  brain  alone  is  involved,  in  which  case  he  is  stupid, 
dull,  and  awkward  of  motion,  the  nerves  of  sensation  and  of  motion 
being  both  affected  ;  and  during  this  stage  he  will  sometimes  bore  hit 
head  against  some  object ;  at  others  he  will  rest  his  haunches  upon  hit 
trough  or  anything  else  convenient. 

When  the  membranes  covering  the  brain  are  inflamed,  which  is  most 
generally  the  case,  there  is  restlessness  rather  than  stupor ;  the  horse 
trembles  ;  his  general  temperature  is  elevated,  while  there  is  great  heat 
about  the  upper  part  of  the  head ;  his  pulse  is  excited,  his  breathing 
•quick  ;  his  eyes  glare  ;  his  movements  are  irregular ;  he  paws,  stamps, 
•champs  his  teeth  ;  an  interval  of  stupor  may  occur,  but  even  when  just 
iroused  from  this  condition  of  repose  he  is  extremely  excitable  and  tremble* 
violently. 


HORSE  DURING  THE  MAD  STAGE  OF  STAGGERS. 


When  the  worst  symptoms  are  rapidly  developing  themselves  he  begftii 
suddenly  to  heave  at  the  flanks  ;  his  eyes  brighten  and  his  nostrils  expand  ,♦ 
the  pupil  of  the  eye  dilates  to  the  utmost,  and  stares  wildly  and  vacantly  ; 
his  breathing  becomes  shorter  and  quicker ;  sometimes  he  will  neigh 
uneasily  ;  his  ears  are  erect  and  bent  forward  ;  the  membrane  of  the  eye 
reddens  and  contrasts  strangeh-^  with  the  clearness  of  the  cornea  or  ball  j 
he  becomes  more  aad  more  excitable,  and  trembles  at  every  sound,  and 


THE   HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  405 

<ielirium  setsin.  He  now  dashes  himself  about  with  fury;  his  motions 
are  sudden  and  violent,  but  without  any  disposition  to  mischief,  as  he  is 
evidently  unconscious.  He  sometimes  becomes  ferocious,  and  dangerous 
to  all  who  may  come  within  reach  ;  he  then  bites  and  strikes  at  those  who 
€ome  near  him  ;  he  plunges,  rears  upon  his  hind  legs,  whirls  round  and 
round  and  falls  with  dreadful  force.  He  will  now  lie  awhile  exhausted, 
and  his  pulse  and  breathing  are  slower. 

At  length  the  mighty  anguish  returns,  and  he  becomes  again  a  teriify- 
ing  and  dangerous  animal.  The  second  paroxysm  is  worse  than  the  first ; 
he  darts  furiously  at  everything  within  reach  ;  sometimes  bites  and  tears 
himself ;  and  this  continues  until  his  former  stupor  returns,  or  until  he 
ha'«  worn  himself  out  and  death  puts  an  end  to  his  sufferings.  Each 
succeeding  attack  increases  in  intensity,  and  brings  on  increased  weakness, 
«o  that  his  periods  of  stupor  become  longer  and  longer  till  at  last  he  dies. 

In  those  cases  where  at  first  only  the  brain  is  involved  the  premonitory 
symptoms  may  continue  a  day  or  two,  when  the  membranous  coverings 
may  become  suddenly  inflamed  and  delirium  speedily  set  it.  Whenever 
the  membranes  are  attacked  the  disease  reaches  its  crisis  in  a  few  hours -~ 
there  must  be  speedy  relief  or  death  will  quickly  follow. 

This  disease  may  sometimes  be  mistaken  for  colic  or  for  hydrophobia ; 
but  to  distinguish  from  the  former,  notice  that  in  the  colic  the  horse  rises 
and  falls  with  less  violence,  and  that  though  he  sometimes  plunges,  he 
more  frequently  rolls  about.  He  looks  frequently  at  his  flanks  with  an 
expression  of  pain,  and  he  is  all  the  time  conscious.  To  distinguish  it 
from  hydrophobia,  observe  that  while  there  is  violence  in  the  latter,  and 
generally  an  inclination  to  do  mischief,  there  is  always  consciousness. 

What  to  do — If  the  earlier  symptoms — stupidity,  sleepiness,  awkward, 
staggery  motions — are  observed,  apply  ice  cold  water  to  the  head,  both 
by  pouring  and  by  means  of  a  sponge  or  rags  secured  between  the  ears 
and  along  the  forehead ;  and  bleed  severely — not  enough,  however,  to 
render  the  horse  faint.  Then  give  an  active  purge,  as  the  bowels  will 
almost  invariably  be  found  to  be  torpid  and  constipated.     Use  at  first ; 

No.  145.  ^       7  Drachms  aloes, 

I  4  Drachms  castile  soap, 

6  Drops  oil  of  caraways. 

Mix  with  mucilage  or  s}'Tup  to  form  a  ball,  and  give  this  quantity  f&r 
one  dose.  If  this  is  found,  after  four  hours,  not  to  have  produced  the 
■desu'ed  effect,  give  one  scruple  of  croton  meal  in  water,  if  he  will  drink 
it ;  if  not,  he  must  be  drenched.  This  is  a  powerful  medicine  ;  but  it  is 
of  the  utmost  consequence  that  his  bowels  be  free,  and  no  effort  must  be 
spared  to  effect  that  object.  If  the  croton  cannot  be  had,  resort  to  the 
clyster  (of  warm  soap  suds),  or  to  back-raking. 


406  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK   DOCTOR. 

The  bowels  having  been  opened,  give  two  or  three  times  a  day,  the  fol- 
lowin<y  compound,  the  effect  of  which  is  to  decrease  the  action  of  the 
heart  and  prevent  the  tendency  of  the  blood  to  the  head,  as  also  to  pro- 
mote the  activity  of  the  urinary  organs : 

No.  148.  1  Drachm  digitaliB, 

1  a  Drachm  tartar  emetic, 
3  Drachms  niter. 

Keep  him  in  a  cool,  airy  stall,  and  feed  with  the  greatest  moderation, 
giving  such  green  and  moist  food  as  has  a  laxative  tendency,  and  such 
quantity  only,  for  a  few  days,  as  will  prevent  gnawing  hunger. 

But  if  the  paroxysm  has  already  come  on  when  remedial  means  are  to 
be  adopted,  seize  the  first  opportunity,  during  an  interval  of  stupor,  or 
of  comparative  stillness,  to  bleed  him  till  he  falls,  or,  if  down,  till  he 
grows  faint  and  weak.  Open  the  vein  on  both  sides  of  the  neck,  if  pos- 
sible, as  the  quickness  with  which  the  blood  is  drawn  away  from  the 
brain  is  of  almost  as  much  consequence  as  the  quantity.  The  operator 
must  observe  great  caution,  as  the  fury  may  return  suddenly  and  with 
much  danger  to  himself. 

If  successful  in  bleeding,  the  next  step  to  take  is  to  purge  in  the  least 
possible  time.  To  affect  this,  use  half  a  drachm  of  croton  meal.  Some- 
times the  horse  will  drink  readily  and  freely,  in  which  case  the  meal  can 
be  well  stirred  in  water  and  given  in  that  way  ;  but  if  necessary,  pour  it 
down  him  according  to  directions  for  drenching.  If  the  meal  of  croton 
cannot  be  had  instantly,  give  an  ounce  of  aloes  dissolved  in  hot  water.  If 
this  does  not  act  within  four  hours,  give  a  quarter  of  an  ounce  more,  and 
so  continue  till  purging  is  produced.  The  next  step  is  to  give  as  a  seda- 
tive the  digitalis  or  powdered  foxglove,  etc.,  as  previously  directed.  It 
may  be  necessary  to  back-rake  and  then  give  a  clyster  of  warm  soap-suds. 

All  this  will  of  course  leave  the  creature  in  a  dreadfully  depleted  and 
weak  condition  ;  but  the  only  hope  of  saving  him  lies  in  the  use  of  power- 
ful means,  especially  when  delirium  has  already  set  in.  It  may  not  be 
possible  in  every  case  to  bring  him  back  to  fullness  of  life  and  usefulness, 
even  with  the  best  of  care.  At  all  events,  he  must  be  treated  gently 
thereafter,  and  guarded  from  excitement,  as  the  attack  is  otherwise  likely 
to  recur. 

m.    Blind  Staggers. 

Causes. — This  disorder,  by  some  called  megrims,  by  others  vertigo, 
and  still  by  others  dizziness,  is  not  well  understood ;  and  there  is  a  diffi- 
OAilty  in  determining  whether  some  of  the  forms  it  assumes  ought  not  to 
be  set  down  as  separate  diseases.     The  causes,  however,  that  will  produce 


THE   HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  407 

certain  manifestations  in  one  horse  will  produce  different  ones  in  another, 
so  that  it  may  be  readily  inferred  that  the  varying  symptoms  do  not  mark 
different  types  of  disease  but  mere  difference  of  degrees  ;  and  that  the 
jBame  general  causes  act  throughout. 

The  immediate  cause  is  clearly  pressure  on  the  brain,  resulting  from 
unusual  flow  of  blood  to  the  head.  This  is  doubtless  in  some  instance* 
the  result  of  a  constitutional  tendency — a  predisposition  to  epilepsy — . 
that  is  brought  to  manifest  itself  on  occasion  of  excitement,  over-exertion, 
or  geiieral  ill  condition  of  the  digestive  apparatus.  In  others  it  is  most 
probably  a  watery  suffusion  of  the  brain — the  blood  being  subjected  to 
some  sort  of  decomposition  in  its  passage  through  the  head  and  leaving 
the  serum  or  watery  portion  to  collect  there. 

The  brain  requires  a  proportionately  far  greater  amount  of  blood  than 
any  other  organ ;  but  while  ample  means  are  provided  for  supplying  it, 
nature  guards  against  doing  this  with  that  velocity  which  would  endanger 
it  by  overloading  and  rupturing.  The  arteries  make  their  way  through 
the  head  in  a  peculiarly  circuitous  manner,  and  they  enter  through  minute 
bony  holes  that  will  not  admit  of  much  distension.  When  the  horse  is 
overheated,  however,  or  when  the  return  of  the  blood  is  impeded,  this 
fullness  takes  place.  In  great  heat  the  arterial  passages  are  enlarged  to 
their  utmost  capacity,  and  the  rapidity  with  which  the  now  uncommonly 
heated  and  the  thinner  fluid  makes  its  way  into  the  brain  is  not  counter- 
balanced by  a  similarly  rapid  return,  and  the  effect  is  produced  to  which 
the  various  names  referred  to  have  been  given.  Impeded  return  of  the 
blood  from  the  extremities,  through  the  veins,  is  caused  by  a  tight  collar, 
pressing,  during  the  act  of  pulling,  upon  the  large  or  jugular  vein,  on 
one  or  both  sides  of  the  neck  ;  by  a  tight  throat  latch,  producing  a  similar 
compression  of  the  jugular ;  or  by  a  check-rein  drawn  so  short  as  to 
brines  down  the  head,  and  bend  the  neck  to  the  extent  of  crowdino;  its 
parts  together  and  interfering  with  the  circulation.  By  this  compression, 
though  the  blood  may  not  be  forced  to  any  undue  arterial  activity,  the 
large  veins  will  be  too  long  distended  by  reason  of  the  sluggishness  of 
return,  and  the  small  veins  running  through  the  substance  of  the  brain 
will  be  so  increased  as  to  press  upon  the  nerves  at  their  points  of  origin 
and  produce  loss  of  power  and  of  consciousness. 

The  immediate  cause,  or  pressure  upon  the  brain,  is  doubtless  some- 
times to  be  found  in  tumors,  arising  from  blows  on  the  head,  as  well  as 
in  congestion,  or  too  great  fullness. 

Other  remote  causes  besides  those  already  named  may  be  found  in  a 
diseased  stomach  and  intestines.  Inflammation  of  all  the  organs  of 
digestion  and  secretion  may  be  brought  on  by  the  retention  of  great 
masses  of  indigestible  food,  and  this  clogged  state  superinduces  conges- 


408  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

tion  by  a  sort  of  internal  compression,  and  this  tendency  is  of  coursw 
increased  by  rapid  exercise  and  the  consequent  heat.  That  this  is  one  of 
the  primary  causes  is  evinced  by  the  fact  that  constipation  attends  nearly 
every  case.  Indigestion  and  foul  stomach  are  the  natural  results  of  con- 
finement in  hot  and  badly  aired  stables,  unwholesome  food,  or  food  in 
excess  of  the  quantity  required  by  the  amount  of  daily  exercise,  of 
extreme  cold,  of  extreme  heat,  and  of  great  fatigue.  Hot  weather, 
when  the  horse  is  of  full  habit,  will  sometimes  derange  the  digestive 
functions,  and  undue  exercise  will  then  quickly  develop  a  case  of  blind 
fttafforers. 

Draft  horses,  and  particularly  those  that  are  young  and  of  a  plethoric 
or  full  blooded  tendency,  are  most  subject  to  it,  though  it  is  not  confined 
to  any  age.  •  It  is  rarely  the  case  that  a  horse  under  the  saddle  is  attacked 
with  it. 

The  dread  of  l;he  whip,  combined  with  the  consequent  fretting  and  in- 
terference with  both  the  digestive  and  circulatory  functions,  is  thought 
to  produce  it  in  sensitive  horses. 

It  is  ordinarily  regarded  as  an  incurable  disease.  If  there  is  an  organic 
predisposition  to  epilepsy,  entire  recovery  is  of  course  out  of  the  ques- 
tion ;  and  when  a  horse  has  been  once  attacked,  though  previously  free 
from  any  such  tendency,  he  is  subject  to  a  return  of  the  complaint  be- 
cause the  vessels  have  been  weakened  by  violence,  and  offer  less  resist- 
ance to  the  rapid  flow  of  blood  in  the  arteries,  or  the  abnormal  gathering 
of  it  in  the  small  veins  of  the  brain. 

How  to  know  it. — In  its  final  manifestations  it  is  unmistakable  ;  but  the 
careful  and  intelHgent  owner  ought  to  be  able  to  detect  some  symptoms 
of  an  appoaching  attack  in  time  to  guard  against  its  most  hurtful  effects. 
That  condition  of  body  which  superinduces  congestion  by  internal  com- 
pression and  derangement  is  not  difficult  to  detect,  and  attention  to  this 
may  be  the  means  of  warding  off  a  violent  attack.  This  is  indicated  by 
an  offensive  breath  ;  somewhat  impeded  respiration,  or  expelling  of  the 
air  from  the  lungs  ;  chewing  food  slowly,  perhaps  letting  some  of  it  fall 
from  his  mouth  only  partly  masticated  ;  a  foul  tongue  ;  a  dry  and  clammy 
mouth ;  disposition  to  plunge  his  head  into  the  water  above  the  nostril* 
when  drinking;  faices  (or  dung)  hard  and  difficult  to  pass;  and  urin© 
ejected  in  small  quantities. 

As  previously  observed,  the  attack  very  seldom  comes  on  while  the 
horse  is  ridden,  but  Avhile  he  is  being  rapidly  driven,  or  after  he  has  been 
subjected  to  a  long,  hot  pull  under  a  tight  collar,  a  closely-drawn  check 
rein,  or  a  throat-latch  buckled  almost  chokingly. 

Occasionally  the  attack  will  be  sudden  and  without  the  slightest  warn- 
ing;  he  will  fall  almost  as  though  shot,  or  make  an  effort  to  run  around 


THE   HORSE,    ITS   DISEASES.  409 

and  then  fall ;  usually  he  will  first  exhibit  some  signs  of  uneasiness,  ag 
shaking  the  head  and  twitching  the  ears,  and  the  eyes,  if  observed,  will 
be  found  to  have  a  wild,  staring  and  bloodshot  appearance.  Sometimea 
he  will  stop  and  stare  about — look  wild  and  irresolute — and  then  go  op 
as  though  nothing  were  the  matter.  Again,  he  will  rear  up  or  stagger 
like  a  drunken  man,  and  then  fall.  He  often  becomes  stubborn,  and  will 
go  only  his  own  way — evidently  unconscious — and  then  come  convulsions, 
followed  by  insensibility. 

When  down,  it  occasionally  happens  that  he 
lies  in  this  insensible  state  at  first,  but  he  usu- 
ally struggles  violently,  then  becomes  quiet ; 
fradually  recovers  himself,  and  gefs  up,  ready 
to  proceed  on  his  way — being  yet  dull,  how- 
ever, and  evidently  affected  by  what  has  hap- 
pened. 

What  to  do. — ^When  it  is  discovered  in  time 
that  he  is  suffering  with  disordered  digestion 
and  is  constipated,    relieve  him   from  work,  if 

•  11  J     1  ,1  ..,  «     J  <?  1  KXPRK88ION  CHAKACTERIS'tle 

possible,    and  lessen  the    quantity  of  dry  food.  ofmegkims. 

Turn  him  out  at  night,  at  any  rate,  even 
if  found  imperatively  necessary  to  have  his  services  during  the  day.  If  he 
can  have  some  continued  rest,  and  the  run  of  a  good  pasture,  or  else  be 
well  fed  with  food  suitable  to  his  condition,  and  well  watered,  while  occu^ 
pying  a  roomy,  dry  and  well-ventilated  stable,  his  chances  for  restoration 
to  health  and  escaping  violent  attacks  altogether,  will  be  greatly  in- 
creased. Of  course  he  should  have  sufficient  exercise,  but  in  moderation. 
If  the  animal  is  young,  and  of  full  habit,  yet  fallen  into  this  disordered 
state,  restrict  his  diet,  increase  his  exercise  by  degrees,  or  turn  him  out 
to  pasture  until  his  normal  condition  of  stomach  and  bowels  has  returned. 

In  the  beginning  of  this  treatment  as  to  diet — what  may  be  called  the 
preventive  treatment — give  him  the  following  purgative : 

No.  147.  7  Drachms  aloes, 

4  Drachms  castile  soap, 
6  Drops  oil  of  caraway. 

Mix  with  mucilage  or  syrup  sufficient  to  form  a  ball.  This  amount 
constitutes  a  dose.  It  may  be  repeated  after  twelve  or  fifteen  hours  if 
the  first  does  not  produce  proper  action. 

But  if  these  premonitory  symptoms  pass  unobserved,  or  if  it  is  a  case 
of  sudden  attack  owing  to  violent  exercise,  great  heat,  or  development  of 
epileptic  tendencies,  stop  him,  if  driving,  upon  his  showing  any  of  the 
indications  described,  and  go  to  him  ;  examine  collar,  check-reia,  throat- 


410  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

Iat("li,  and  see  that  all  is  right;  pat  and  soothe  him,  and  allow  him  to 
stand  for  a  few  moments  in  quiet.  Where  it  is  found  that  the  collar  has 
been  pressing  the  neck  veins  see  that  it  is  altered  without  more  ado  — 
cither  by  cutting  or  by  pressing  in  against  the  breast  on  the  lower  part  of 
the  collar  a  cloth  of  sufficient  size  to  prevent  its  tightening  upon  the  sides 
of  the  neck.  If  he  recovers  sufficiently  to  be  driven,  allow  him  to  move 
at  a  Tery  moderate  pace  ;  if  not,  remove  him  from  the  vehicle  and  lead 
him  home.  When  there  he  must  have  rest  and  quiet,  and  care  must  be 
taken,  as  previously  directed,  to  bring  him,  by  food  and  laxatives,  into  a 
irood  state  as  to  stomach  and  bowels. 

When  the  attack  is  so  violent  that  he  rears,  plunges,  and  falls,  bleed 
as  soon  as  he  becomes  composed  enough  to  allow  it — taking  from  the 
neck  vein  from  three  to  six  quarts,  according  to  the  violence  of  the  fit, 
and  the  weight,  fullness,  and  fleshiness  of  the  patient.  During  the  first 
paroxysms  of  his  attack  dash  cold  water  over  his  head,  if  it  can  be  had ; 
and  a  wet  sponge  made  fast  between  his  ears  will  be  found  useful. 

From  these  violent  attacks,  entire  recovery  is  doubtful,  even  though 
he  may  not  die  outright ;  but  every  chance  of  even  a  partial  return  to 
health  and  usefulness  is  increased  by  rest.  A  horse  once  affected  in  this 
way  should  really  not  be  driven  again,  though  apparently  recovered,  for 
the  fit  is  likely  to  recur,  and  the  driver  may  himself  be  thereby  seriously 
endangered. 

The  necessary  steps  as  to  feeding  and  care,  and  the  administration  of 
laxative  medicine  have  already  been  pointed  out. 

IV.    Apoplexy,  or  Sleepy  Staggers. 

Causes. — The  different  stages  of  this  disease  are  sometimes  treated  as 
though  they  were  two  different  types  ;  and  we  find  even  professed  veter- 
inarians, who  ought  to  be  more  discriminating,  so  regarding  them. 
Ai)()plcxy  is  the  term  by  M'hich  alone  it  should  be  known — the  state  of 
sleepiness  and  staggering  being  but  premonitory  symptoms,  or  rather  the 
earliest  stage. 

The  immediate  cause  of  this  disorder,  as  in  blind  staggers,  megrims, 
vertigo,  giddiness,  dizziness,  or  by  what  other  name  the  disease  previously 
treated  may  be  known,  is  undue  pressure  upon  the  brain,  and  their  re- 
mote causes  are  generally  identical  also — the  difference  in  the  diseases 
being  simply  a  difference  in  the  modes  of  their  manifestation. 

Pout  mortein  examinations  of  horses  that  have  died  of  apoplexy,  have 
KufficicMitly  indicated  the  cause.  The  vessels  of  the  brain  are  found  to  bo 
I'crulirly  bloated  or  distended  with  black  blood.  Sometimes  there  may 
be  no  inflammation  of  the  membranes  of  the  brain,  but  the  stomach  is 
found  loaded  with  undigested  food  or  the  intestines  with  foul  matter.    It 


THE    HORSE,    ITS   DISEASES.  41 J 

is  clear  that  congestion  of  the  brain,  perhaps  of  the  venous  system  gen-^ 
erally,  is  the  condition  that  prevails  when  the  disease  manifests  itself  in 
its  active  and  violent  stage.  And  this  too  great  fullness  of  blood  is  iu 
most  cases  owing  to  disordered  digestion,  which  may  be  brought  about  in 
two  ways :  the  horse  may  be  overfed  and  subjected  to  insufficient  exer- 
cise, so  that  the  stomach  becomes  weak,  and  lacks  the  power  to  digest  or 
expel  the  food ;  or  he  may  suddenly  gorge  himself  when  chancing  to 
come  upon  abundance  of  food  of  which  he  can  partake  without  restraint. 
The  fulness  of  the  stomach  and  bowels  produces  that  internal  compres- 
sion which  precludes  the  regular  flow  of  blood  through  the  veins,  and 
weakens  the  venous  system,  and  the  brain  soon  becomes  overcharged, 
awd  that,  too,  with  a  fluid  in  a  degree  poisonous  for  want  of  perfect  oxy- 
genation, or  purification  by  being  regularly  passed  through  the  lungs  and 
exposed  to  the  air.  Hot  weather  is  peculiarly  favorable  to  the  attack, 
both  because  of  the  more  debilitated  state  of  the  system  from  heat,  and 
because  the  heat  predisposes  a  more  rapid  arterial  flow  of  blood,  that  is 
not  counterbalanced  by  an  equally  rapid  return  of  the  blood  through  the 
veins  to  the  heart  and  lungs. 

Luxuriant  pasture,  warm  weather,  and  the  dependent  posture  of  the 
animal's  head  in  his  continual  cropping,  especially  if  he  is  in  over-condi- 
tion and  full  of  blood,  may  readily  produce  apoplexy — the  immediate  and 
the  remote  cause  in  this  case  seeming  to  act  simultaneously.  Horses  in 
poor  condition  may  be  attacked  after  having  been  overworked  and  re- 
duced to  a  debilitated  state  throua-h  want  of  care  and  of  nourishins:  food. 
Put  upon  rich  pasture,  with  a  ravenous  appetite,  they  are  apt  to  gorge 
and  bring  on  indigestion  and  its  attendant  constipation. 

There  is  sometimes  a  softening  of  the  brain,  rather  than  effusion  or 
too  great  fullness,  and  this  may  arise  from  tumors,  caused  by  blows,  or 
by  the  plugging  of  the  vessels  with  clots  of  fibrous  matter. 

How  to  know  it. — This  differs  from  blind  staggers  or  megrims  in  this, 
at  least,  that  the  prevailing  symptoms  force  themselves  upon  the  atten- 
tion of  the  ordinary  observer  while  the  horse  is  at  rest.  He  exhibits  at 
first  a  want  of  appetite,  and  is  more  than  usually  dull.  When  he  walks 
his  movements  are  slow  and  unsteady.  Examination  will  discover  his 
pulse  to  be  slow,  heavy  and  dull,  yet  full.  When  he  is  exercised  a  little 
these  symptoms  go  off,  but  they  soon  return  when  he  is  left  to  himself, 
and  more  unmistakably.  In  the  open  air  he  balances  himself  as  though 
about  to  fall,  and  stands  with  his  head  depressed.  In  the  stall  he  bears 
upou  the  trough  or  the  wall,  and  a  good  deal  of  his  weight  seems  to  be 
supported  in  this  way.  Sometimes  he  gets  his  head  against  some  rest, 
stands  for  a  length  of  time,  and  then  drops  as  though  shot,  but  presently 
gets  upon  his  feet  again,  to  relapse  into  the  same  sleepy  listlessness. 


412  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

When  in  this  condition  it  is  dangerous  to  be  near  him,  or  to  attempt  to 
move  him.  When  arouSed  from  this  apparent  sleep  he  looks  vacantly 
around,  glares  unmeaningly,  and  sometimes  the  eyes  will  not  close  when 
an  object  is  moved  before  them  —  and  the  indications  are  that  he  neither 
sees  nor  hears.  If  food  is  within  reach  he  will  sometimes  take  a  mouth- 
ful, but  lose  consciousness  while  it  is  yet  but  half  chewed  ;  and  if  ho 
attempts  to  drink,  the  power  of  swallowing  seems  to  be  partially  lost, 
and  the  water  will  return  through  his  nostrils.  As  he  grows  worse  he  will 
twist  his  legs  over  each  other  when  trying  to  go  straight  forward.  In  the 
last  stage  he  begins  to  foam  at  the  mouth  ;  his  breathing  becomes  loud  and 
laborious  ;  the  pulse  is  depressed  ;  the  jugular  veins  are  distended  almost 
to  bursting  :  the  muzzle  is  cold,  and  sometimes  he  discharges  faeces  almost 
involuntarily;  he  grinds  his  teeth;  twitchings  steal  over  his  face  and 
limbs  ;  and  at  last  he  falls  into  convulsions  and  beats  himself  about  in  a 
terrible  manner.  There  is  no  disposition  to  do  mischief — he  is  evidently 
well  nigh  unconscious.  All  the  powers  of  life  are  wrought  upon,  and 
death  speedily  results  unless  some  powerful  means  can  be  brought  to 
bear  to  bring  instant  partial  relief. 

It  is  well  to  caution  the  reader  against  mistaking  for  an  apoplectic  sign 
a  certain  sleepy,  listless,  stupid  expression  of  countenance  that  is  brought 
on  by  repeated  attacks  of  megrims.  A  little  examination  will  generally 
disclose  that  all  the  other  symptoms  of  apoplexy  are  wanting. 

What  to  do. — That  treatment  which  will  most  speedily  relieve  the 
overloaded  vessels  of  the  brain  is  clearly  best.  If  anything  is  done 
before  the  violent  stage  of  the  disease  comes  on,  bleed  freely  from  the 
neck  vein  —  so  freely,  indeed,  that  the  horse  falters  or  begins  to  blow. 
If  the  case  has  been  neglected  until  the  violent  stage  is  upon  him,  bleed, 
if  possible,  until  he  falls.  It  may  sometimes  happen  that  a  lull  in  the 
paroxysms  ensues,  and  even  at  this  late  hour  it  is  well  to  make  the 
attempt  to  save  by  drawing  blood. 

Next,  determine,  if  possible,  whether  the  cause  is  a  present-existing 
gorged  stomach,  and  constipated,  torpid  bowels.  If  so,  use  the  stomach 
pump  promptly.  Force  warm  water  into  his  stomach  till  the  food  is  so 
thinned  that  it  may  escape  by  the  pylorus  and  by  the  mouth  and  nostrils. 
When  this  extreme  fullness  of  the  stomach  is  overcome,  give  a  purgative 
bolus  as  follows ; 

No.  148.  7  Drachms  aloes, 

4  Drachms  castile  soap, 
6  Drops  oil  ol  caraway. 

Mix  with  mucilage  or  syrup  to  form  a  ball,  which  give  as  a  dose. 

If  the  constipation  is  obstinate,  and  does  not  yield  to  this  purgative, 


THE    HORSE,  ITS   DISEASES.  41? 

stir  a  handful!  of  fine  salt  in  one  gallon  of  warm  water,  and  inject  it  into 
his  bowels.     This  failing  he  must  be  back-raked. 

When  the  system  is  once  relieved  the  digestive  functions  may  be  stim- 
nlated  by  giving,  every  four  hours,  for  two  days,  a  wine-glass-full  of 

No.  149.  4  Ounces  fluid  extract  of  black  pepper, 

6  Ounces  fluid  extract  of  ginger, 
2  Ounces  hyposulphate  of  soda, 
4  Ounces  water.  I 

Dissolve  the  soda  in  the  water ;  then  add  the  ginger  and  pepper. 

Attention  must  now  be  paid  to  diet,  at  first  reducing  it  to  a  small 
quantity,  and  to  such  in  quality  as  will  have  a  laxative  tendency.  He 
may  be  turned  upon  a  pasture,  if  it  is  not  too  rich,  but  he  should  have 
food  administered  morning  and  evening  in  moderation.  He  should  have 
free  access  to  water. 

In  the  beginning  of  the  paroxysm  it  is  sometimes  found  advantageous 
in  quieting  him  somewhat  to  apply  ice  to  his  head,  or  to  pour  a  stream  of 
ice  cold  water  steadily  between  his  ears. 

Until  he  is  so  far  recovered  as  to  render  it  safe  for  him  to  go  to 
pasture,  keep  him  comfortable.  If  the  weather  is  hot — and  it  usually 
comes  on  during  hot  weather — keep  him  in  a  cool,  well-aired  place,  or 
in  an  open  place  well  shaded. 

Complete  recovery  is  seldom  to  be  hoped  for.  Generally,  the  horse 
once  severely  affected,  is  useless  for  Summer  work,  though  well  able  to 
go  through  that  of  Winter,  if  properly  cared  for. 

As  in  the  blind  staggers,  the  unnatural  distension  of  the  blood  vessels 
renders  a  recurrence  of  an  attack  very  probable  ;  and  it  may  be  brought 
about  by  external  compression,  so  that  tight  collars,  tight  throat  latches, 
and  short-draw  check-reins,  should  be  avoided.  A  breast-strap  should  be 
substituted  for  a  collar,  and  overwork  should  be  specially  guarded 
against. 

Apoplexy  is  not  contagious,  though  it  has  been  so  regarded.  If  more 
than  one  horse  on  the  same  farm  or  in  the  same  stable  is  affected  with  it, 
be  assured  that  the  same  causes  are  present  for  both,  and  that  when  they 
are  removed  the  danger  of  new  cases  ceases. 

V.    Abscess  Within  the  Srain. 

This  not  unusual  and  terrible  affection  is  produced  almost  invariably 
by  external  injury.  From  being  struck  or  striking  against  some  hard 
substance,  as  in  running  away,  striking  the  head  in  the  stable,  or  other 
eimilar  cause.     It  is  possible  the  owner  may  know  nothing  about  it.     A 


414  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 

wound,  perhaps  a  trivial  looking  one,  is  found  on  the  head,  from  which 
perhaps  only  a  little  watery  fluid  issues.  Soon  the  horse  becomes  dull, 
and  from  day  to  day  gets  worse,  refuses  his  food,  and  at  last  falls  and 
commences  knocking  his  head  against  the  floor  or  on  the  ground ;  thus 
he  continues  until  at  length  death  comes  to  his  relief. 


A  HORSE  DYING  FROM   ABSCESS  WITHIN  THE  BRAIN. 

What  to  do. — There  is  nothing  to  be  done  once  an  abscess  forms  within 
the  brain.  The  only  means  of  cure  is  to  allow  the  matter  to  escape.  The 
thick  muscles  covering  the  cranium  of  the  horse  would  prevent  the  use  of 


A  HORSB,   MAD   FROM  INFLAMMATION   OF  THE  BRAIN. 

the  trephine,  and  if,  indeed,  a  hole  was  made  through  the  skull  to  the 
brain,  and  perchance   the  abscess  cured,  who   would  want  the   horse? 


THE   HORSE,    ITS    DISKASES.  415 

There  is  but  one  sensible  way :  kill  the  suffering  animal  and  end  its  mis- 
ery at  once. 

Another  terrible  affliction  of  the  brain,  fortunately  not  common,  is  in- 
flammation of  the  brain,  or  phrenitis.  It  is  indeed  madness,  with  the 
exhibition  of  terrible  strength,  which  no  human  power  can  cope  with  to 
euccessfully  relieve,  in  its  frenzied  state. 

If  discerned  in  its  earliest  stage,  before  violent  frenzy  attacks  it,  resort 
may  be  had  to  bleeding.  Open  both  neck  veins  and  allow  the  blood  to 
flow  until  the  dull,  heavy,  listless  expression  brightens  or  the  animal 
sinks.  Bleed  again  if  necessary.  Give  8  drachms  of  aloes,  and  repeat 
at  the  end  of  three  hours,  if  the  bowels  are  not  thoroughly  relieved,  or 
the  pulse  changes  for  the  better.  Afterwards  give  20  to  30  drops  of 
tincture  of  aconite,  or  half  a  drachm  of  the  powdered  root  infused  in  a 
pint  of  hot  water,  or  a  drachm  of  digitalis,  infused  in  the  same  way,  to 
be  given  cold  every  half  hour  until  relief  is  obtained.  In  ninety-nino 
cases  out  of  a  hundred,  however,  relief  will  come  in  death. 


CHAPTER  XI. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  MUSCLES  AND  TENDONS. 


t.  8L00D  SPAVIN. U.  BOG  SPAVIN. III.  CURB. IV.  THOROUGH    PIN. V.  TETAlTnS, 

OR  LOCKJAW. VI.  CRAMPS. VII.   RHEUMATISM. VIII.  STRING  HALT. 


I.    Blood    Spavin. 


This  may  be  defined  as  a  distension,  or  enlargement  (dilatation)  of  the 
veins  of  the  hock  joint,  and  overlying  the  seat  of  bone  and  bog  spavin  ; 
a  local  venous  congestion,  caused  generally  by  swelling,  impeding  the 
flow  of  the  blood,  and  often  connected  with  bog  or  bone  spavin.  It  is 
harmless  ;  in  fact  it  may  be  considered  as  accompanying,  or  the  result  of 
other  disease  of  the  joint. 

What  to  do. — In  the  early  stage  cold  water  perseveringly  applied,  fol- 
lowed by  cooling  lotions,  equal  parts  of  alcohol  and  rain  water,  or  one 
pint  of  brandy  to  one-half  pint  of  water,  applied  as  a  lotion.  If  this 
does  not  relieve  the  diflSculty,  use  a  strong  infusion  of  bayberry  bark, 
using  considerable  friction  by  hand  rubbing  with  either  of  the  remedies 
named. 

n.    Bog  Spavin. 

Common  bog  spavin  is  technically  (as  is  windgall)  an  enlargement  of 
the  Bursa  Mucosa,  just  as  a  distension  of  the  sub-cutaneous  (beneath  the 
skin)  veins  in  the  region  of  the  hock  is  called  blood  spavin.  These  cause 
an  undue  secretion  of  joint  oil  and  a  dropsical  effusion  into  the  joint, 
producing  swelling'having  all  the  character  of  inflammation  of  the  true 
hock  joint.  This  inflammation  of  the  upper  or  principal  hock  joint  is 
true  bog  spavin. 

416 


THE   HORSE,    ITS   DISEASES.  41? 

Causes. — Overwork,  sprains,  injuries  either  from  punctured  wounds, 
fractui-es  or  bruises  ;  also  from  the  effects  of  rheumatism.  All  produce 
inflammation  of  the  structures  of  the  joint. 

How  to  know  it. — In  its  acute  early  form  there  is  a  tense,  puffy,  fluctu- 
ating swelling  of  the  front  and  inside  portion  of  the  hock  at  the  upper 
or  principal  point  just  where  usually  there  is  a  depression.  There  is  also 
a  swelling  behind,  where  thorough-pin  occurs,  but  it  can  be  pressed 
forward,  the  anterior  (front)  swelling  filling  up  ;  but  there  is  no  swelling 
below  and  behind  the  hock  as  in  thorough-pin. 

What  to  do. — Absolute  rest  and  the  use  of  a  high-heeled  shoe.  Con- 
tinued pressure  on  the  swollen  parts,  by  means  of  a  truss  or  compress, 
with  cold  water  applications,  or  brandy  and  salt. 

In  case  there  is  much  inflammation  reduce  it  by  means  of  fomentations 
of  water,  and  if  there  is  pain  let  the  fomentations  be  an  infusion  of  hops. 
In  the  later  stages  use  tincture  of  arnica  diluted  with  water.  If  the  case 
is  a  bad  one,  when  the  extreme  heat  and  tenderness  has  subsided  a  blister 
may  be  applied,  since  it  sometimes  goes  on  to  ulceration  of  the  joint,  and 
even  to  bony  deposit  destroying  all  movement  of  the  joint.  See  No.  160 
and  161  for  blisters.   (Pages  423,  424.) 

m.     Curb. 

This  is  a  swelling  in  the  middle  of  and  just  behind  the  lowest  part  of 
the  hock  joint.  At  first  it  is  soft  and  doughey,  or  retaining  for  a  time  the 
shape  of  the  pressure,  producing  an  enlargement  about  two  inches  below 
the  hock.     Curby  hocks  are  also  sometimes  congenital  and  hereditary. 

Causes. — A  blow,  but  more  frequently  a  sprain  of  the  tendon,  or  of 
the  sheath  through  which  the  flexor  tendon  passes.  The  ligament  of  the 
hock  when  injured  increases  the  gravity  of  the  disease. 

How  to  know  it. — There  is  heat,  inflammation,  tenderness,  lameness, 
and  a  tendency  to  knuckle  forward  at  the  fetlock. 

What  to  do. — Absolute  rest,  a  high-heeled  shoe,  and  cold  water  bandages 
will  generally  remove  the  diflSculty  if  applied  in  the  early  stages  of  the 
disease.     If,  from   neglect,  the   lameness   becomes   decided,  apply  the 


following 


No.  150.  1  Ounce  powdered  bloodroot, 

1  Ounce  turpentine, 
4  Ounces  acetic  acid. 


Apply  night  and  morning  for  a  week  or  ten  days  and  afterward  batho 
daily  with  vinegar 


418  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

If  coagulable  l}Tiiph  forms,  threatening  callosity,  (a  hard  swelling; 
daily  and  long-continued  friction  —  hand  rubbing  downward  —  and  the 
application  of  a  more  decided  stimulant  will  be  indicated.  If  so,  prepare 
the  following: 

No.  151.  1  Ounce  oil  of  cedar, 

1  Ounce  oil  of  majoram, 
1  Ounce  oil  of  sassafras, 
1  Pint  soft  soap. 

Use  this  daily,  rubbing  always  downwards. 

IV.    Thorough  Pin. 

Causes. — This  is  a  sprain  of  the  flexor  tendon  behind  the  hock,  and 
which  has  a  large  sheath  which  extends  both  above  and  below  the  joint — 
a  dropsical  enlargement  of  the  sheath  of  the  tendon,  so  the  fluid  con- 
tained may  be  pressed  from  one  side  to  the  other.     Hence  its  name. 

How  to  know  it. — Pressure  on  one  side  will  cause  bulging  on  the  other, 
and  pressure  on  both  sides  will  cause  fluctuation  along  the  tendon  below 
and  behind  the  hock. 

What  to  do. — Use  the  same  treatment  as  for  curb ;   cold  water  band- 

« 

ages,  or  hot  fomentations  in  the  early  stages  of  the  disease  ;  also  absolute 
rest  and  a  high-heeled  shoe.  When  tenderness  ceases  and  lameness  is 
gone,  apply  a  spring  truss,  so  the  pads  will  clasp  and  cover  the  puff  on 
both  sides,  and  exert  a  pretty  firm  and  steady  pressure.  Success  in  re- 
moving the  puff  has  occasionally  been  had  by  puncturing  the  lower  part 
of  the  swelling,  into  the  sack,  and  injecting  a  solution  of  the  following 
strength : 

No.  152.  10  Grains  sulphate  of  zinc, 

1  Ounce  rainwater. 

Inject  one  or  two  tea-spoonfuls,  as  the  case  may  require.  Then  bring 
the  walls  of  the  sack  closely  together  and  hold  them  so  for  a  week  by 
means  of  a  firm  flannel  bandage. 

Another  plan  is  to  apply  with  gentle  rubbing,  the  following  ointment 
every  day  until  ihe  skin  is  inflamed : 

No.  153.  1  Part  biniodide  of  mercury, 

7  Parts  neats  foot  oil. 

Rub  together,  either  in  a  mortar  or  with  &  spatula  on  glass,  until  ina- 
■aatcly  incorporated,  and  use  as  directed,  observing  regularity  and  slnu^ning 
"^lent  handling. 


THE   HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  419 

V.    Tetanus,  or  Lockjaw. 

This  terrible  affliction,  which  consists  of  persistent  and  often  acutely 
painful  drawing  together  (cramps)  of  the  voluntary  muscles,  causing  ex- 
treme rigidity,  drawing  together  the  whole  muscular  system,  and  closing 
or  locking  the  jaws. 

Causes. — Often  a  wound  in  the  leg  or  foot,  seemingly  of  the  most 
trivial  character,  as  the  prick  of  a  nail.  It  is  also  produced  by  castra- 
tion nicking  and  docking;  by  hard  riding  or  driving,  and  leaving  the 
animal  shivering  in  the  night  air.  When  it  proceeds  from  a  wound,  it  is 
called  trumatic  :  when  from  no  apparent  cause,  it  is  called  idiopathic.  It 
rarely  occurs  from  wounds  until  they  are  well  advanced  toward  being 
healed ;  though  it  may  display  its  symptoms  immediately  upon  or  a 
month  after  the  hurt,  but  generally  from  the  sixth  to  the  fourteenth  day. 

How  to  know  it. — In  the  earliest  stages  there  will  be  stiffness  and  rig- 
idity of  the  muscles  near  the  injury,  and  the  limb  will  be  moved  with 
difficulty.  There  will  be  excitement,  the  ears  will  be  pointed  forward, 
the  head  elevated,  the  legs  stiff  and  stretched  out ;  the  horse  will  seem 
excited  and  yet  obstinate  to  move  ;  the  tail  will  quiver  and  the  skin  and 
flesh  will  feel  hard  like  a  board.  The  lower  jaw  being  taken  in  the 
hand  and  the  head  raised,  if  the  haw  projects  over  the  eye,  you  h»ve  a 
case  of  lockjaw.     See  cut. 


THB  TEBT  FOB  TETANDS. 


What  to  do. — Give  the  animal  a  loose  or  box  stall,  and  in  the  most 
quiet  place  possible,  and  where  it  will  see  no  one  except  the  attendant. 
Place  slings  beneath  him  so  he  can  stand  clear  of  them  or  rest  in  them  at 
will.  Remove  all  straw,  litter  or  other  sources  of  excitement,  and  avoid 
all  noise  or  unusual  movement.  Keep  the  stable  darkened  and  without 
other  animals  present.  If  the  disease  is  produced  by  a  wound  examine 
it,  and  if  contracted  or  containing  pus  (matter)  ^viden  it,  and  cover  with 
27 


^420 


ILLUSTRATED     STOCK     DOCTOR. 


a  bread  and  milk  poultice  containing  laudanum  or  extract  of  belladonna. 
Give  a  powerful  purgative,  as  the  following : 


No.  154. 


6  to  8  Drops  croton  oil, 

4  to  6  Drachms  powdered  aloes. 


Dissolve  in  a  pint  and  a  half  of  water  and  give  as  a  drench.  If  it 
cannot  be  given  by  the  mouth  administer  it  through  the  nostrils  by  meana 
of  a  stomach  pump  and  the  horse  catheter,  to  be  hereafter  shown,  i% 
feeding ;  or  prepare  the  following,  if  the  horse  can  swallow  a  ball : 

No.  155.  4  Drachms  powdered  aloes, 

4  Drachma  extract  of  gentian, 
1  Scruple  croton  farina. 
Mix  with  linseed  meal  and  molasses  into  a  ball. 

Follow  this  up  with  three  doses  daily  of  anti-spasmodics,  as,  one  to 
two  drachms  belladonna,  or  one-half  ounce  chloral  hydrate,  or  one-half 
to  one  ounce  dose  of  tincture  of  lobelia  in  a  pint  of  water.  Give  by  the 
mouth  if  the  animal  can  swallow ;  if  not,  as  an  injection.  Keep  the 
bowels  open  with  one  drachm  podophyllin  and  two  drachms  extract  of 
belladonna,  smeared  on  the  back  of  the  tongue. 


8LINQS   FOR  TBTANUS,   OR  FOR  FRACTURED  LIMB. 


If  the  animal  can  bear  it,  a  thorough  sweat  with  a  blanket  wrung  J.ut 
of  hot  water,  and  covered  with  dry  blankets  will  do  good.  Feed  with 
aonrishiug  gruels  if  the  animal  can  swallow;  if  not,  feed  as  next  described. 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES. 


421 


Attach  a  horse  catheter  to  a  stomach  pump,  pass  the  end  carefully  up 
the  nostril  and  into  the  gullet  as  shown.  If  coughing  is  produced,  with- 
draw the  catheter  and  commence  anew.     If  two  feet  are  inserted  without 


MOD£    OF  FEEDING  HORSE  HAVING  CHRONIC  TETANUS. 

alarming  symptoms,  pump  in  only  a  quart  of  linseed  gruel,  if  the  horse 
has  fasted  for  some  time,  and  as  the  stomach  can  bear  it,  give  more. 
This,  however,  must  not  be  attempted  while  the  disease  is  in  its  acute 
form  (its  earlier  stage),  but  after  the  disease  assumes  a  chronic  form  it 
may  be  resorted  to. 


SHOWING   HOW    FAR    AN    ANIMAL   WITH    TETANUS   IS    CAPAPLE    OF    MOTION. 


The  disease  is  apt  to  leave  the  animal  in  a  most  deplorable  conditioa, 
and  it  will  be  a  long  time  before  it  becomes  serviceable,  if  indeed  it  evef 


422  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

does.  Six  weeks  or  even  two  months  may  be  required  before  the  animal 
retains  the  use  of  its  powers.  The  cut  iiiiUexed  will  illustnite  the  condi- 
tion of  a  horse  with  tetanus. 

It  will  thus  be  seen  that  in  a  decided  case  it  will  be  policy  as  well  as 
humanity  to  seriously  consider  whether  it  may  not  be  better  to  relieve 
the  sufferings  of  the  poor  animal  at  once  by  shooting  through  the  brain. 

VI.    Cramps. 

Some  horses  are  quite  subject  to  cramps  of  the  muscles  and  tendons. 
It  may  be  an  irritability  or  spasm  of  a  particular  muscle  or  set  of  mus- 
cles, which  refuse  to  act,  becoming  stiff  and  inflexible.  They  cramp  and 
sometimes  twitch  excessively.  This  is  again  succeeded  by  another  stag© 
in  which  the  muscles  relax  and  are  restored  to  their  normal  condition. 

Causes. — Strains,  bruises,  or  over-taxation  of  the  powers.  In  many 
cases  it  is  undoubtedly  allied  to  rheumatism,  a  disorder  attacking  horses 
much  oftener  than  is  supposed  ;  rheumatism  very  often  being  attributed 
to  bots,  founder  and  various  other  causes  by  the  ignorant.  Both  diseases 
are  quite  painful,  and  leave  the  animal  verylsore,  and  rheumatism  often 
for  months. 

What  to  do. — Clothe  the  body  warmly,  find  the  seat  of  the  difficulty 
by  feeling  of  the  parts  until  the  sore  place  is  touched.  Wash  the  part-s 
with  salt  and  water,  and  rub  dry.     Then  apply  the  following  liniment  • 

No.  156.  1  Part  solution  of  ammonia, 

1  Part  spirits  of  camphor, 
1  Part  olive  oil. 

Rub  it  in  well,  and  hold  a  hot  iron  or  brick  to  the  parts  to  heal  if 
thoroughly. 

vn.     Rheumatism. 

This  is  a  peculiar  form  of  inflammation  attacking  the  fibrous  structures 
of  the  body,  such  as  the  joints,  tendons,  ligaments  and  muscles,  and  is 
accompanied  by  stiffness,  exceeding  tenderness  and  pain,  shifting  from 
place  to  place,  often  implicating  the  valves  or  other  structures  of  the 
heart,  and  when  so  usually  results  in  death. 

Causes. — ^Exposure  to  cold,  wet  or  drafts,  especially  when  the  system 
is  overworked.  There  is  usually  a  constitutional  predisposition  in  the 
subjects,  and  in  such  it  is  easily  brought  on  by  diseases  of  the  respiratory 
or  digestive  organs,  especially  in  horses  of  a  full,  gross  habit. 

How  to  know  it. — In  its  acute  form  there  is  dullness,  followed  by  ex- 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  423 

treme  lameness  in  one  or  more  of  the  limbs.  There  is  tenderness  and 
then  swelling  of  the  joint,  tendon  or  muscles,  at  first  soft,  then  hard. 
There  may  be  fluctuations  from  excess  of  synovia  (joint  fluid).  With  the 
inflammation  there  is  fever.  The  pulse  is  full  and  hard  :  the  mouth  is 
di'v  and  clammy  ;  there  is  hurried  breathing,  scanty  urine  and  costiveness. 
In  the  chronic  form  the  symptoms  are  the  same  as  in  the  acute,  but 
not  so  pronounced,  and  in  this  form  it  is  unattended  with  fever.  It  may 
appear  only  upon  undue  exposure,  or  in  damp,  lowers^  weather,  and  dis- 
appear again  upon  the  recurrence  of  fine  weather.  Chronic  rheumatism 
is  also  less  inclined  to  shift  from  place  to  place. 

What  to  do. — For  rheumatism  in  its  early  acute  stage  relieve  the  bowels 
by  laxative  medicines,  say  four  drachms  of  aloes.  Put  the  animal  in 
slings,  as  for  tetanus,  and  clothe  him  from  the  hoofs  to  the  ears  in  flan- 
nel. K  practicable  the  first  thing  is  to  fill  the  box  in  which  the  horse  is 
kept  with  steam,  keeping  it  up  for  an  hour.  If  the  pain  is  extreme 
lessen  it  with  ounce  doses  of  laudanum. 

Give  the  following  three  or  four  times  a  day  as  a  drench  in  a  pint 
of  gruel : 

No.  157.  X  Ounce  bicarbonate  of  soda, 

1  Ounce  Salicylic  acid. 

If  this  cannot  be  obtained,  give  the  following,  at  a  dose,  night  and 
foorning : 

No.  158.  ^  Ounce  powdered  saltpeter, 

1  Drachm  powdered  colcMcum, 
1  Ounce  oil  of  turpentine. 
Mix  in  half  a  pint  of  linseed  oU. 

For  rheumatism  in  its  chronic  form  the  following  will  be  found  to  be 
*-aluable,  used  intemally : 

No.  159.  1  Ounce  powdered  carbonate  of  potash. 

1  Ounce  powdered  saltpeter, 

2  Drachms  iodide  of  potash. 

Give  in  one  and  a  half  pints  of  water. 

As  a  liniment  for  the  joints  and  other  affected  parts,  to  be  afterwards 
•Trapped  in  flannel,  the  following  is  excellent : 

\o.  160.  1  Pound  compound  soap  liniment, 

2  Ounces  liquor  ammonia, 
2  Ounces  tincture  cantharides, 
2  Ounces  laudanum. 

Rub  in  with  as  much  friction  as  the  horse  can  bear,  and  apply  until 


424 


ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 


signs  of  blistering  are  apparent.     If  this  does  not  produce  the  desired  el 
feet,  use  the  following  : 


No.  161. 


H  Ounce  laudanum, 
>i  Ounce  camphorated  oil, 
1  Ounce  tincture  cantharides. 


Apply  to  the  joints  with  a  soft  brush,  but  without  friction. 
A  sootliing  and  stimulating  embrocation,  when  so  severe  measure*  a* 
ike  foregoing  are  not  considered  necessary,  may  be  made  as  follows : 


No.  162. 


1  Part  spirits  of  camphor, 
1  Part  solution  of  ammonia. 
1  Part  olive  oil. 


Mix,  and  apply  by  rubbing  it  in. 


Vm.   String  Halt. 

String-halt  is  the  sudden  jerking  up  of  a  hind  Umb,  sometimes  both  in 
succession.  Sometimes  several  efforts  will  be  made  before  the  animal 
can  prooTcss  at  all.  In  other  cases  the  spasmodic  action  of  the  hind  leg 
is  shown  in  starting  off,  and  the  animal  becoming  warm,  it  ^v\\\  nearly  or 
quite  cease.  An  exceptionally  bad  case  is  showTi  in  the  illustration 
given  below. 


A   HORSE   HAVING   STRING   HALT. 


Sometimes  the  action  is  so  slight  as  to  be  almost  unnoticed,  and  again 
it  may  be  so  strong  that  the  hind  leg  will  strike  the  belly. 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES. 

Causes. — The  causes  are  unknown.  It  is  supposed  to  be  produced  by 
a  variety  of  injuries,  but  principally  as  a  reflex  nervous  action.  It  in- 
creases with  age  and  hard  labor,  and  nervous  excitement,  and  is  a  positive 
unsoundness. 

What  to  do. — ^There  is  no  cure.  Rest,  keeping  the  bowels  open  with  2 
drachm  doses  of  belladona  daily,  will  lessen  the  spasms  for  a  time  ;  but 
fatigue  or  nervous  excitement  is  sure  to  bring  on  a  recurrence  of  the 
attack.  A  careful  driver  will  often  prevent  the  disability  being  much 
«bowii  *»y  being  careful  not  to  excite  or  overwork  the  horse. 


CHAPTER  Xlt. 


DISEASES  OP  THE  EYE. 


I.  IfATURALLY  WKAK  KYBS. II.  SORK  BYE-LIDS. III.  MOON  EYKS. TV.  CATARACT. 

V.  INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  HAW,  OR    HOOKS,  VI.  DIMNBSS    OF  VISION. VII. 

WORMS  IN  THE  KYE. VTH.   PURULENT    OPHTHALMY. IX.  FUNGOID  TUMORS    IN  THB 

SUBSTANCE  OP  THE  BYE. "X.  IMPEDIMENT  IN    THE    LACHBYMAI.  DUOT.— — XI.  OUTTA 

SERENA.  ' 


I.    Naturally  Weak  Eyes. 


Very  many  persons,  otherwise  well  informed,  when  from  any  cause  the 
eyes  of  horses  become  weak,  inflamed,  watery,  or  drop  tears,  suppose  the 
cause  to  be  from  a  natural  weakness  of  the  sight.  So  "blind  teeth"  are 
supposed  to  cause  serious  trouble,  and  even  blindness  in  horses.  Nothing 
could  be  further  from  the  truth.  It  is  exceedingly  rare  that  horses  have 
naturally  weak  eyes ;  it  can  almost  always  be  traced  to  some  local  cause. 
Thus,  watering  of  the  eyes  is  caused  by  a  stoppage  of  the  lachrymal 
ducts  leading  from  the  eyes  into  the  nostrils,  the  natural  channels  for 
carrying  off  the  superabundant  moisture  of  the  eye.  Inflammation  of 
the  eyes  is  not  uncommon  from  a  turning  in  of  the  eye-lashes.  The 
remedy  is  to  snip  them  off  with  the  scissors. 

"Blind  teeth,"  or  "wolf  teeth,"  as  the  immature  supernumerary 
tushes  are  called,  do  no  injury  whatever.  If  it  is  feared  they  may,  it  is 
easy  to  take  them  out  with  a  pair  of  forceps,  or  to  knock  them  out  with 
a  punch  and  hammer. 

Occasionally  a  supernumerary  tooth  may  be  found  growing  in  the 
upper  jaw,  between  the  first  and  second  teeth,  and  lapping  over  both  of 
them.  This  is  considered  by  many  persons  as  producing  inflammation  of 
the  eyes.  It  is  true  that  if  pain  results,  the  eyes  may  be  affected  by 
sympathy.  This  tooth  should  always  be  removed,  and  may  be  done  with 
a  strong  pair  of  forceps.     It  may  cause  distress  from  pain  in  the  jaw; 


nothing  more. 


426 


THE   HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  427 

Colts  are  often  subject  to  inflammation  of  the  eyes  in  a  slight  degree, 
during  teething.  Examine  the  teeth,  lance  the  gums,  and  the  eyes  will 
recover.     It  is  a  case  of  sympathy. 

n.    Sore  Eye-lids. 

In  the  outset  of  more  serious  disease,  soreness  of  the  lids  of  the  eyes 
Ts  common.  It  is  also  produced  by  irritation  of  various  kinds.  In  in- 
flammation of  the  eyes,  soreness  of  the  lids  is  always  present.  If  from 
other  disease,  it  is  sympathetic,  and  will  pass  away  with  the  disease  itself. 

There  is  one  form,  however,  that  is  characterized  by  a  redness,  spell- 
ing and  itching,  the  edges  becoming  raw  and  exuding  matter.  This  must 
have  specific  treatment. 

What  to  do. — The  horse  should  have  a  laxative  dose  if  the  bowels  arc 
uot  in  a  natural  state.     The  following  will  be  indicated : 

No.  163.  1  Drachm  flowers  of  sulphur, 

2  Drachms  powdered  mandrake, 

3  Drachms  powdered  aloes. 

Form  into  a  ball  with  honey,  and  give  as  a  dose. 

To  reduce  the  inflammation,  make  a  curd,  by  beating  three  eggs  thor- 
oughly and  then  stirring  them,  with  a  quart  of  filtered  rainwater  until 
mixed  ;  let  it  come  to  a  boil,  stirring  occasionally.  Add  half  an  ounce  of 
sulphate  of  zinc,  and  continue  the  boiling  for  a  few  minutes.  Bind  the 
curd  over  the  eyes,  by  placing  a  portion  between  layers  of  thin  muslin. 
The  clear  water  strained  through  several  thicknesses  of  fine  linen  is  excel- 
lent for  sore  or  inflamed  eyes  of  any  kind.  "Wet  the  lids  three  or  four 
times  a  day. 

In  aggravated  cases  that  will  not  yield  to  treatment,  and  that  remain 
raw  and  exude  matter,  the  edges  should  be  carefully  touched  with  mer- 
curial ointment,  the  utmost  care  being  taken  that  it  does  not  come  in  con- 
tact with  the  eye. 

During  the  whole  treatment  the  horse  must  be  tied  up  by  two  lines  to 
the  rear  posts  of  the  stall,  so  he  cannot  rub  the  eyes,  and  must  be  fed 
from  a  nose-bag. 

m.    Moon  Eyes. 

This  is  ophthalmy,  recurring  at  periodic  times,  or  at  intervals  of  three 
weeks,  a  month  or  more,  and  not,  as  is  often  supposed,  at  the  full  moon. 

Causes. — Hereditary  predisposition  ;  from  malarial  causes  ;  herding  in 
low,   damp    situations ;    rheumatic    affections ;    irritation  consequent  on 


428  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

teething,  and,  in  fact,  where  predisposition  occurs,  from  any  cause  tend- 
ing to  lower  the  general  state  of  the  health. 

How  to  know  it. — There  will  be  a  sunken  look  to  the  eye  ;  the  haw  of 
the  eye  will  protrude  ;  the  white  of  the  eye  may  be  of  a  pinkish  cast ; 
the  eye  will  be  watery ;  the  pupil  of  the  eye  will  be  cloudy,  at  the  edges, 
and  dull  and  discolored  at  the  center ;  there  will  be  haziness,  milkiness, 
or  a  whitish  spot  may  appear,  which  will  continue  to  overcast  the  eye. 
In  the  intervals  between  the  attacks  the  transparent  coat  of  the  eye  will 
have  a  hazy,  bluish  cast  about  its  border,  and  the  iris  will  lack  its  natural 
brightness  ;  the  upper  lid  or  eyebrow  will  be  wrinkled  or  furrowed. 

What  to  do. — Look  first  of  all  for  carious  or  defective  teeth,  and  if 
found  extract  them.  There  is  a  strong  sympathy  between  any  difficulty 
with  the  teeth  and  the  eyes,  though  unsound  or  <*  wolf  teeth"  do  not,  as 
was  once  supposed,  cause  blindness. 

Place  the  animal  in  a  darkened  stable ;  give  four  drachms  aloes,  and 
apply  the  following  lotion  twice  a  day : 

No.  161.  20  Grains  acetate  of  lead, 

20  Drops  belladonna, 
1  Quart  filtered  rain  water. 

Alternate  this  twice  a  day  with  the  following : 

No.  165.  20  Grains  sulphate  of  zinc, 

20  Drops  tincture  of  Calabar  bean, 
1  Quart  filtered  rain  water. 

The  physic  having  acted,  give  two  or  three  times  a  day  the  following. 

No.  166.  1  Drachm  sulphate  of  iron, 

a  Ounce  powdered  Peruvian  bark. 

Mix  in  one  quart  of  warm  water,  or  give  in  the  feed  if  the  horse  will 
eat  it.     When  another  attack  is  expected  double  this  dose. 

Sometimes  an  ounce  daily,  for  several  weeks,  of  Fowler's  solution  of 
arsenic  will  be  serviceable,  intermitting  a  few  days  occasionally.  If,  how- 
ever, the  attacks  recur,  and  at  lessened  periods,  the  trouble  may  be 
expected  to  end  in  cataract  and  blindness. 

rv.    Cataract. 

As  a  rule,  cataract  is  the  result  of  inflammation  of  the  deep  structures 
of  the  eyeball  (internal  ophthalmy  or  the  periodic  form).  It  also  occurs 
occasionally  from  diabetes  and  other  constitutional  disabilities. 

How  to  know  it. — Put  the  horse  in  a  dark  place.  Take  a  lighted  can- 
dle.    Three  images  will  be  reflected,  one  from  the  surface  of   the  eye. 


THE    HOKSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  429 

one  from  the  front  surface  of  the  lens,  and  one  from  the  rear  surface  of 
the  lens.  If  in  moving  the  light  either  of  the  posterior  images  are 
changed  into  a  white  haze,  there  is  exudation  into  that  part  of  the  lens  ; 
in  other  words,  a  cataract  is  forming. 

What  to  do — Unless  the  cataract  is  only  just  forming  the  horse  will 
be  eventually  blind.  Give  aloes  as  recommended  for  moon-blindness, 
mnd  also  the  prescription  for  lotions  in  that  case.  Follow  this  up  with 
digitalis  in  doses  of  fifteen  to  twenty  grains  daily,  alternated  daily  with  * 
six  to  eight  drachms  of  niter  in  the  water  taken.  Keep  the  animal  in  a 
dark  room ;  apply  blisters  to  the  cheeks  and  behind  the  ears,  using  the 
following,  well  rubbed  in  ; 

No.  167.  2  Drachms  powdered  cantharides, 

K  Ounce  lard. 

Mix  thoroughly  and  rub  well  in,  treating  the  blisters  when  formed  with 
linen  cloths  covered  with  mutton  tallow  to  keep  them  running. 
Apply  also  to  the  eye  daily  for  several  months  the  following : 

No.  168.  2  Grains  phosphorus, 

1  Ounce  ahnond  oil. 

M>x  and  keep  in  a  dark,  cool  place,  in  a  bottle  with  a  ground  glass 
stopper. 

V.   Inflammation  of  the  Haw,  or  Hooks. 

The  haw  is  a  triangular  shaped  cartilage  situated  just  within  the  inne> 
comer  of  the  eye.  In  health  but  little  of  it  can  be  seen.  Its  use  is  to 
pass  over  the  ball  of  the  eye  to  remove  dust  or  other  offensive  substances 
from  the  eye.  This  is  done  so  quickly  that  it  is  difiicult  to  distinguish 
the  action.  Its  play  may  be  seen  by  opening  the  lid  of  the  eye,  or  by 
«ittempting  to  touch  the  eyeball  with  the  fingers. 

Causes. — This  is  often  produced  by  inflammation  or  swelling  of  other 
parts  of  the  eye.  It  may  end  in  producing  a  hard,  bony  state,  protrud- 
ing from  its  place  as  a  whitish  lump.  When  it  presents  this  appearance 
some  persons  are  fond  of  cutting  out  the  * '  hooks ' '  to  keep  the  horse 
from  "going  blind."     Our  advice  is,    "  Don't  do  it." 

What  to  do. — ^If  there  is  inflammation  and  swelling,  treat  the  eye  as 
for  ophthalmy  (inflammation).  In  all  cases  of  inflammation  of  the  eyes 
use  the  bandage  as  sho\\Ti  in  the  cut  on  next  page. 

If  the  inflammation  is  slight,  but  active,  keep  a  linen  cloth  over  the 
eye,  or  eyes,  saturated  with  the  following : 


430  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTTOR. 

No.  169.  4  Ounces  sassafras  pith, 

1  Quart  rain  water. 

Let  it  stand  three  or  four  hours,  and  apply  cold,  straining  it  as  used. 
If  the  inflammation  is  more  pronounced,  use  the  following  as  a  lotion : 

No.  170.  4:  Drachms  laudanum, 

2  Drachms  extract  belladonna, 
1  Quart  rain  water. 

Also  raise  the  eyelids  and  swab  the  inflam-. 
ed  haws  occasionally  with  the  egg  and  sul- 
phate of  zinc  lotion  recommended  for  sore 
eyes.  K  the  lachrymal  duct  is  closed,  that 
is,  if  water  runs  from  the  eyes,  swab  out 
the  ducts  well  up  the  inside  of  the  nostrils 
with  weak  tobacco  water,  finishing  with 
clean  water,  or  u-se  the  sulphate  of  zinc  in 
the  form  of  a  lotion. 
MODS  OF  BLINDING  A  HOR8K,  AND  jf  thc  blood  vcsscls  arc  ovcrloaded,  leech- 

APPLTING  LOTION  TO  THI  EYK  .  ' 

ing  the  lids  of  the  eyes  will  be  beneficial, 
and  in  extreme  cases  half  a  gallon  to  one  gallon  of  blood  may  be  ta- 
ken from  the  neck  vein,  to  be  repeated  at  the  expiration  often  days,  if 
necessary. 

The  inflammation  having  subsided,  the  haws  will  resume  their  natural 
place  and  appearance,  and  again  become  almost  invisible. 

VI.    Dimness  of  Vision. 

Very  many  horses  have  defective  vision.  Some  do  not  see  well  at 
night ;  some  are  near-sighted  ;  some  are  far-sighted,  as  in  man,  from  too 
great  convexity  of  the  eye,  or  the  reverse.  Old  horses  gradually  acquire 
dimness  of  vision. 

There  is  no  specific  for  defective  eyesight.  Spectacles  would  reliev© 
the  difficulty,  but,  spectacles  that  might  be  worn  by  a  horse  have  not  yet 
been  invented,  and  for  the  reason  that  they  are  not  practical.  He  must  get  OO 
as  best  he  may. 

vn.    Worms  in  the  Eye. 

This  is  occasioned  by  a  worm  {Filaria  Oculi)^  and  may  be  extracted 
by  a  skillful  puncture.  It  should  only  be  undertaken  by  a  competent 
veterinary  or  other  surgeon,  the  horse  being  first  securely  hampered  so 
he  cannot  struggle. 


THE   HORSE,  ITS   DISEASES.  4S1 

vm.    Funilent  Ophthalmy. 

Purulent  Ophthalmy  is  confined  to  the  conjunctiva  (mucus  membrane 
of  the  eye),  and  it  is  in  this  membrane  that  the  redness  and  ordinary 
swelling  of  the  eyes  have  their  seat.  The  eyelids  are  much  swollen,  and 
the  membrane  rises  up,  puffy  and  red  above  the  level  of  the  cornea  (the 
transparent  disc),  sometimes  in  fungoid  excrescences.  This  species  of 
inflammation  is  epidemic,  and  when  occurring  often,  goes  through  the  • 
stable. 

What  to  do. — Place  the  animal  in  a  moderately  dark  stable,  keep  the 
eyes  wet  constantly — by  means  of  the  cloth  shown  in  the  cut  with  inflam- 
mation of  the  hooks — with  the  following : 

No.  171.  2  Drachms  sulphate  of  zinc, 

20  Grains  morphia, 
1  Pint  rainwater. 

Use  the  water  tepid  if  possible,  but  if  used  cold  at  first,  it  must  be  so 
continued,  and  vice  versa. 

The  bowels  should  be  kept  moderately  open  with  physic  if  necessary, 
or  with  soft  feed,  and  the  same  general  treatment  used  as  for  the  other* 
forms  of  ophthalmy. 

If  the  disease  does  not  yield  to  this  treatment,  and  becomes  chronic> 
prepare  a  wash  as  follows  : 

No.  172.  6  Grains  nitrate  of  silver, 

1  Ounce  distilled  water,  or  rainwater  filtered  through  sharp' 
washed  sand. 

Mix,  and  drop  a  little  into  the  eye,  daily,  from  a  quill. 

IX.    Fungoid  Tumors  in  the  Substance  of  the  Eye. 

This  is  a  rare  affection,  and  fortunately  so.  The  causes  which  prt>* 
duce  it  are  obscure,  but  probably  the  same  as  in  any  other  cancerous 
affection.  The  end  will  probably  be  death,  for  the  taint  of  the  cancerous 
affection  is  probably  in  the  system.  Upon  close  examination,  the  eye 
ball  may  be  clear,  but  a  brilliant  yellow  substance  may  be  seen  at  the 
base  of  the  interior. 

If  it  be  not  deemed  best  to  destroy  the  animal,  the  eye  must  be  extir- 
pated. Two  knives  are  required,  of  a  peculiar  shape,  one  of  small  size 
and  slightly  bent  to  one  side  ;  the  other  larger  and  curved  to  one  side 
until  it  nearly  reaches  the  shape  of  a  semi-circle.  A  sharp  scalpel  (the 
knife  ordinarily  used  in  surgical  operations)  will  also  be  required.  Two 
straight,  triangular  pointed  needles  threaded  with  strong  waxed  twine,  a. 


432  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

curved   needle,  similarly  threaded,  water,  a  sponge,  lint,  injecting  tube 
and  a  bellows. 

Cast  the  horse,  and  fasten  him  so  he  cannot  move.  Pierce  each  eyelid 
with  one  of  the  straight  needles  and  tie  a  secure  loop  for  raising  and 
holding  the  lids  as  shown  in  the  cut. 


EXTIRPATION    OF  THE    ETE. 


Let  an  assistant  then  hold  the  lids  wide  open.  The  surgeon  with  the 
straight  knife  quickly  describes  a  circle  around  the  globe  of  the  eye, 
severing  completely  the  conjunctiva  mucous  membrane  of  the  eye.  He 
then  takes  the  small,  curvbd  blade,  and  passing  it  through  the  divided 
conjunctiva  it  is  carried  around  the  eyeball  close  to  the  bone,  severing  the 
levator  and  depressor  muscles.  The  cornea  is  then  pierced  with  the 
curved  needle,  in  and  out,  the  thread  drawn  and  a  loop  fixed.  Then  the 
eye  being  drawn  out  as  far  as  post^ible  the  curved  knife  is  passed  around 
the  rear  of  the  eye  with  a  sawing  motion,  the  integuments  are  severed, 
and  the  eye  is  drawn  forth. 

It  is  quickly  done  when  all  things  are  ready,  but  should  not  be  at' 
tempted  except  by  a  competent  surgeon.  Some  bleeding  will  follow. 
Inject  cold  water ;  if  this  do  not  check  the  hemorrhage,  force  cold  air 
into  the  cavity  with  the  bellows.  If  this  do  not  avail,  plug  the  cavity 
softly  with  lint,  bandage  the  wound  to  secure  the  dressing,  and  leave  th« 
result  to  the  natural  process  of  healing. 

X.    Impediment  in  the  Laehtymal  Gland. 

The  lachrymal  ducts  of  the  eyes  are  small  canals  leading  from  the  eyes 
mto  the  nose.  Their  use  is  to  convey  away  the  superfluous  moisture 
(tears  of  the  eyes).     When  it  is  closed  by  inflammation  or  other  tempo- 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  4Si 

rary  cause,  the  water  of  the  eyes  flow  over  the  face  as  shown  in  the 
subjoined  cut. 

Occasionally,  however,  the  duct  becomes  per- 
manently closed.  The  usual  remedy  is  to  swab 
the  nostrils  where  the  duct  enters  with  weak  to- 
bacco water  and  afterwards  with  clear  water. 

If  this  do  not  effect  a  cure  after  two  or  three 
trials,  the  duct  must  be  opened  with  a  probe. 

The  duct  commences  by  minute  openings  near 
the  terminations  of  the  upper  and  lower  lids  at  the 

£     M-t  Ti-  J.  j-l.  OBSTRUCTION  OF  LACHRYHAJ. 

inner  corner  of  the  eye.     It  comes  out  upon  the  gland. 

dark  skin  which   lines  the   commencement   of  the 
nostrils,  lying  on  the  inner  membrane. 

A  delicately  thin  elastic  probe  must  be  used,  and  about  twelve  inches 
long,  the  horse  being  cast  and  securely  fastened.  It  may  be  necessary 
to  introduce  the  probe  both  from  the  corner  of  the  eye  and  from  the 
nostril.  Next  charge  a  fine  pointed  syringe  with  tepid  water  and  placing 
the  point  into  the  nasal  termination  of  the  duct,  force  the  water  through. 
The  operation  should  only  be  performed  by  a  surgeon. 

XI.    Gutta  Serena. 

This  is  sometimes  called  glass  eye,  incorrectly,  however,  as  the  term  is 
understood  in  the  West  and  South.  In  glass  eye,  as  understood  there, 
the  pupil  is  sound  and  perfect,  the  iris  distinct  and  natural,  but  has  a 
white  ring  around  the  cornea.  It  may  injure  the  sale  of  a  horse,  but 
simply  from  the  singular  expression  it  gives  the  eye  of  the  animal. 

True  gutta  serena,  or  Amaurosis,  is  palsy  of  the  nerve  of  sight,  or  of 
the  nervous  expansion  called  the  retina,  and  due  to  functional  and  organic 
disease  of  the  optic  nerve.  In  the  early  stages  of  the  disease  it  may 
sometimes  be  relieved,  but  is  likely  to  occur  again.  In  the  later  stages 
it  is  incurable. 

Causes- — Congestion,  tumors,  dropsy  or  other  diseases  of  the  brain. 
Also  by  injury  to  the  nerve  of  sight,  by  pressure  or  other  cause,  from 
inflammation,  excess  of  light,  and  may  be  symptomatic,  from  indigestion 
or  during  gestation. 

How  to  know  it. — In  the  early  stages  the  insensibility  of  sight  may  be 
only  partial ;  the  pupil  will  be  unnaturally  large  ;  upon  closing  the  lids 
of  the  eyes,  and  opening  them  in  a  strong  light,  there  will  be  little  or  no 
variation  in  the  pupil ;  the  eyes  will  be  unnaturally  clear  from  extreme 
dilatation  ;  the  animal  vnW  be  partially  or  totally  blind,  as  shown  by  high 
stepping  and  failure  to  flinch  when  the  fingers  are  suddenly  pointed  close 


434  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 

to  the  eye ;  the  ears  will  be  in  constant  motion  as  a  compensation  for  the 
want  of  sight. 

What  to  do. — If  from  overloading  the  stomach,  indigestion,  gestation, 
etc.,  turn  the  animal  upon  grass,  if  in  the  season ;  or  clothe  warmly  and 

feed  upon  easily  digested  food,  as  mashes  and 
roots.  If  the  attack  is  recent  and  from  such 
cause  as  inflammation  of  the  brain,  bleed  to 
the  extent  of  a  gallon,  and  put  a  seton  close  to 
the  eye.  In  fact  the  cause  must  be  found 
and  removed,  if  it  be  due  to  one  that  can  be 
removed.  Success  is  sometimes  had  by  blis- 
tering as  for  ophthalmy.  Use  in  connection 
with  this  nerve  stimulants.  Of  these  strych- 
nia, in  one  to  two  grain  doses,  according  to 
lYE  AFFKCTKD  BY  SERENA.  circumstanccs,  or  five  grain  doses  of  nitrate  of 
silver  may  be  given. 

Sympathetic  amaurosis  may  admit  of  cure.  As  we  have  said,  the 
deranged  function  must  be  restored. 

If  medicine  is  required  to  deplete  the  system  the  following  will  be 
good: 

No.  173.  2  Drachms  powdered  gentian, 

4  Drachms  powdered  aloes, 
1  Ounce  common  salt, 
1  Pint  warm  water. 

Give  as  a  drench,  and  keep  the  animal  on  light  mashes  with  an  0000- 
ftional  injection  of  salt  and  water  if  necessary. 

If  there  is  debility  alteratives  and  tonics  will  be  indicated : 

No.  174.  1  Ounce  powdered  golden  seal, 

1  Ounce  powdered  gentian, 
1  Ounce  powdered  sulphur, 

1  Ounce  powdered  ginger,  ' 

1  Ounce  salt, 
1  Poiind  oatmeal. 

Mix,  divide  into  twelve  parts  and  give  one  in  the  feed — of  good,  gen-, 
crous  diet — night  and  morning. 

As  a  lotion  for  bathing  the  eye  the  following  is  recommended  as  a  good 
astringent : 

No.  175.  1  Ounce  powdered  bayberry  bark,     ^ 

1  Pint  boiling  water. 

Let  it  stand  until  cool.  Strain  through  a  close  linen  cloth,  add  a. 
table-spoonful  of  tincture  of  bloodroot  and  bathe  twice  a  day. 


CHAPTER  Xm. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  BONES. 


X-  BIO  HSAD  and  big  jaw. 11.   8WEBNT  OF    THB     SHOULDER.  111.   SWEKKT  OV    THK 

HIP. IV,  BONK  SPAVIN. V.  ENLARGED  HOCK.  VI.   RING-BONS. VII.    STIFLK. 

^VIII.  SPLINT.  IX.   SORE  SHINS  (INFLAMMATION  OP  THE  METACARPAL  BONB). 

X.  ROTTEN  BONB. XI.  INFLAMMATION  OP  THE  KNEE-JOINT. XU.   CARIES  OF  THB 

LOWER-JAW. 


I.    Big  Head  and  Big  Jaw. 

Causes. — This  disease,  called  also  exostosis  of  the  bones,  is  manifested  in 
an  enlargement  or  bony  tumor  on  the  face,  on  a  line  between  the  nostril 
and  the  eye.  It  finally  breaks  out  in  small  holes,  which  discharge  a  thick 
pus,  and  at  last  ends,  if  not  t'">s\ted  opportunely,  in  a  complete  decay  of 
the  bone.  The  bone  continually  enlarges,  and  cells  or  channels  are 
formed  aa  the  minute  bony  plates  become  thinner  and  thinner,  till  the 
structure  can  be  easily  cut  with  a  knife  or  crushed  with  the  fingers.  The 
interstices  are  filled  with  a  red,  bloody  mass.  In  some  cases  the  ligaments 
and  tendons  are  separated  by  decomposition  of  the  bone,  and  crumblings, 
dislocations  and  fractures  take  place  for  want  of  firm  attachment  for 
these  supporting  ligaments. 

The  primary  cause  of  the  disorder  is  not  known ;  but  the  tendency  is 
believed  to  be  transmitted .  A  horse  manifesting  signs  of  the  big  head 
is  generally  diseased  not  alone  in  the  bones  of  the  face,  but  the  whole 
osseous  system  seems  to  be  to  some  extent  involved,  so  that  there  is  not 
infrequently  a  soreness  of  the  limbs  and  a  lameness  accompanying  it. 
The  immediate  exciting  cause  is  most  probably  defective  nutrition  —  a 
want  of  that  power  of  assimilation  which  is  necessary  to  the  supplying  nf 
the  bones  with  their  phosphate  constituent. 

It  may  be  developed  by  both  over-feeding  and  by  deficiency  of  food,  as 
28  435 


436  ILLUSTRATED   STOCK   DOCTOll. 

the  di«-estive  functions  are  deranged  by  either  excessive  burdens  imposea 
upon  them  or  want  of  sufficient  nutrition  in  that  food  which  is  digested. 

It  is  difficult  to  assign  any  reason  why  the  general  predisposition  should 
be  determined  primarily  to  the  face. 

It  has  been  observed  to  prevail  mostly  in  those  regions  where  Indian 
com  is  constantly  fed,  and  in  those,  whatever  be  the  predominant  food, 
where  the  animal  uses  only,  or  chiefly,  free  stone  water — a  fluid  lacking 
in  that  phosphate  element  so  essential  to  bony  structures. 

Hard  labor  and  abuse,  poor  food  and  bad  stable  management,  doubtless 
do  much  to  precipitate  the  disease. 

How  to  know  it. — Before  the  visible  swelling  of  the  face  there  will 
generally  be  evident  weakness,  loss  of  appetite,  laziness  ;  a  slight  suffu- 
sion of  the  eyes  with  tears — one  or  both  according  as  one  or  both  sides 
of  the  facial  bone  is  affected  ;  then  a  swelling,  about  half  way  between 
the  eye  and  the  nostril,  small  and  hard,  but  gradually  increasing  in  size. 
If  the  swelling  is  pressed  upon  with  some  force  the  horse  will  wince  with 
pain,  but  gentle  rubbing  seems  to  give  ease.  The  lower  jaw,  under  th» 
chin,  will  next  appear  thickened ;  a  degree  of  general  stiffness  sets  in  ; 
at  last  the  joints  are  swollen,  and  seem  puffed  up  with  wind  ;  the  horse 
rapidly  fails  in  flesh  ;  and  the  head  becomes  enormously  swollen,  and 
finally  breaks  into  little  openings  which  discharge  an  offensive  pus. 

What  to  do. — It  is  well,  perhaps,  to  warn  the  reader  in  the  outset  not 
to  do  any  of  those  foolish  things  which  characterized  the  old  practice, 
such  as  boring  into  the  diseased  part  and  injecting  corrosive  poison ;  lay- 
ing open  the  jaw  and  sawing  out  a  portion  of  the  bone  ;  blistering,  burn- 
ftig,  etc.  The  disease  is  not  local,  but  constitutional,  and  though  perhaps 
having  no  other  visible  manifestation  than  on  the  face,  it  has  extensive 
connection  with  various  portions  of  the  frame,  so  that  purely  local  treat- 
ment is  of  little  consequence. 

The  first  step  will  be  to  see  that  the  patient  is  well  stabled  or  other- 
wise cared  for  according  to  the  season  of  the  year,  and  put  upon  a  sys- 
tematic course  of  food,  drink,  and  moderate  exercise  in  the  sun.  Give 
him  from  five  to  seven  quarts  of  oats  per  day,  and  if  these  are  boiled  and 
mixed  with  a  little  wheat  bran,  all  the  better.  When  green  vegetables 
can  be  had,  they  should  be  fed  liberally,  to  counteract  a  sort  of  scorbutic 
or  scurvy  tendency  which  marks  this  disorder.  Apples,  beets,  carrots, 
turnips — whatever  fruit  or  vegetable  you  can  get  him  to  take  is  good. 
When  seasonable,  put  him  upon  a  bountiful  pasture. 

Give  the  following  in  eight  doses,  night  and  morning,  with  such  food  as  he 
ivill  most  readily  eat: 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  437 


So.  176.  2  Ounces  chlorate  of  potash, 

4  Ounces  powdered  ginger. 

3  Ounces  gentian, 

2  Ounces  podophyllin, 
6  Ounces  poplar  bark. 

Give  also  with  the  food,  once  daily,  2  ounces  phosphate  of  lime. 
JRub  upon  the  swelled  face  with  moderate  vigor,  twice  daily,  the  fol- 
lowing preparation : 

No.  177.  6  Ounces  spirits  of  camphor, 

4  Ounces  cod  liver  oil, 
2  Ounces  oil  of  cedar, 

1  Pint  diluted  acetic  acid. 

If  the  case  has  been  neglected  until  there  are  already  breaks  in  the 
skin,  and  exudation  of  matter,  adopt  the  previously  described  course, 
with  this  exception,  that  the  part  must  be  thoroughly  cleansed  with  warm 
soap  and  water,  and  then,  instead  of  No.  177,  apply  the  camphorated 
corrosive  sublimate  every  other  day  for  six  or  eight  times,  then  omit 
three  days,  and  begin  again,  and  so  on  until  the  skin  shows  signs  of  heal- 
ing. Apply  the  sublimate  with  a  little  mop  of  soft  rags,  and  dry  it  in 
with  a  hot  iron  held  near  the  part,  or  pressed  smoothly  over  a  layer  of 
intervening  cloths,  thick  enough  to  prevent  actual  burning. 

n.   Sweeny  of  the  Shoulder. 

The  common  effect  of  all  lameness  and  disease  of  a  limb  is  a  wasting 
of  the  muscles  connected  therewith.  Therefore  in  all  sprains  entailing 
inflammation  and  continued  disease  of  a  limb,  and  in  all  injuries  entailing 
chronic,  long-continued  manifestations,  there  will  be  wasting  or  atrophy 
of  the  muscles,  and  in  extreme  cases  sometimes  permanent  contraction, 
even  of  the  cords  of  the  limb.  This  is  popularly  called  swinny  or  sweeny. 
It  is  the  result  of  disease  and  not  the  disease  itself.  The  cause  of  this 
wasting  must  therefore  be  looked  after  in  order  to  obviate  the  difficulty. 

There  is,  however,  from  sprain  of  the  muscle  outside  the  shoulder 
blade,  a  tendency  to  waste  of  the  muscles,  to  such  a  degree  sometimes, 
that  they  are  so  shrunken  as  to  cause  the  skin  to  bo  drawn  tight  to  the 
shoulder  blade. 

Causes. — Sweeny  is  usually  acquired  by  young  horses,  when  first  put 
to  work,  from  over-strain  ;  or,  it  may  occur  in  horses  of  any  age,  from 
hard  pulling  on  uneven  ground,  by  stepping  into  holes,  etc.,  thus  causing 
injury  to  the  muscles  of  the  shoulder,  and  particularly  those  supporting 
the  joints. 


^3g  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

How  to  know  it. — Sometimes  the  horse  may  be  able  to  walk  or  evea 
trot  without  serious  difficulty.  If  one  stand  directly  in  front  of  him 
there  will  be  seen  that  the  affected  shoulder  is  held  in  an  unnatural  posi- 
tion, seeming  to  be  rolled  outward  farther  than  is  natural.  There  will  be 
a  peculiar  motion  in  the  gait,  and  heat,  tenderness  and  swelling  on  the 
outside  of  the  joint. 

What  to  do. — Bv  pressure  on  the  parts  discover  the  seat  of  the  inflam. 
mation  by  the  flinching  of  the  animal.  This  found,  reduce  it  by  continued 
application  of  cold  water  to  the  part,  if  in  the  earlier  stages.  This  may 
be  done  by  folding  a  long  blanket  and  hanging  over  the  shoulder  so  as  to 
cover  the  affected  part.  O'er  this  keep  a  cloth  continually  wet  with  cold 
water,  until  the  acute  s^'mptoms  have  subsided. 

After  these  have  subsided,  exercise  must  be  given  every  day,  either  by 
driving  on  a  smooth  road  or  using  at  any  light  work  on  smooth  ground. 
Every  effort  should  be  made  to  increase  the  circulation  over  the  fallen 
muscles  by  active  rubbing.  If  the  case  do  not  yield  to  treatment,  an<4 
there  is  decided  wasting,  the  muscle  being  hard,  use  the  following : 

No.  178.  1  Pint  ammonia, 

1  Quart  Olive  oil. 

This  should  be  rubbed  in  with  considerable  friction,  untU  nearly  the 
excitement  of  a  blister  is  produced.  This  with  subsequent  friction  and 
an  occasional  use  of  the  blister,  will  effect  a  cure  ;  but  it  may  take 
months  of  perseverance  to  bring  the  shoulder  back  to  its  perfect  shape. 
Light  exercise  should  be  given  every  day, 

m.    Sweeny  of  the  Hip. 

The  wasting  of  the  muscles  of  the  hip  are  due  to  analagous  causes  with 
those  of  the  shoulder.  It  is,  however,  far  more  rare,  since  the  power  of 
the  horse  being  in  the  hind-quarters,  the  enormous  muscles  of  those  part* 
act  as  cushions  to  protect  the  parts  from  injury.  As  a  rule,  the  cause  of 
the  wasting  of  the  muscles  of  the  hip  must  be  looked  for  lower  down, 
unless  the  injury  is  known  to  proceed  from  a  fall  on  the  side. 

A  careful  examination  of  all  the  muscles  will  enable  the  owner  pretty 
ajenerally  to  fix  the  seat  of  the  disease,  from  the  heat  and  tenderness  cf 
the  parts.  This  discovered,  use  the  means  prescribed  for  shoulder  sweeny. 
In  old  and  difficult  cases,  either  of  the  shoulder  or  hip,  it  may  be  neces- 
sary to  resort  to  active  blistering  and  subsequent  stimulation  by  means  of 
the  galvanic  battery.  In  old  and  confirmed  sweeny  that  has  come  with  a 
horse  bought,  or  from  neglect  at  the  proper  time,  a  cure  will  probably 
not  be  effected  ;  but  a  partial  restoration  of  the  parts  may  be  made. 


THE   aoKSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  439 

Sweeny  has  been  placed  among  the  diseases  of  the  bones  because  it 
sometimes  proceeds  from  injury  to  the  bones  and  joints.  The  difficulty 
itself,  however,  is  confined  to  the  muscles. 

rv.    Bone  Spavin. 

The  definition  of  bone  spavin  may  be  given  as  an  inflammation,  ulceF- 
ation  and  bony  deposit  of  the  small  flat  bones  in  the  lower  and  inner  part 
of  the  hock  joint ;  or  of  both  the  outer  and  inner  ones,  or  from  inflam- 
mation of  the  cuniform  and  metatarsal  bones,  terminating  in  anchylosis 
Ca  bony  union  of  the  parts)  rendering  the  jomt  stiff. 


Foot,  incapable  of  being  raised  from  Natural  poeition  of  the  healthy  foot  when  raisea 

groundby  reason  oi  spavin.  from  the  ground  during  ah  easy  trot. 

Causes. — Injury  to  the  joint  by  concussion,  sprains  of  the  ligaments, 
\he  use  of  shoes  with  high  heels  or  calks.  Hereditary  predisposition  to 
wpavin  is  common  from  weakness  of  the  joints,  bones  and  ligaments. 
Consequently  weak  limbed  horses  or  mares,  or  those  with  spavins,  or 
other  diseases  of  the  bones  should  never  be  bred  from. 

Bone  spavin  is  really  one  of  the  most  formidable  diseases  with  which 
the  horseman  has  to  deal,  and  the  attack  is  sometimes  so  slow  and  blind 
that  jockeys  are  often  enabled  to  put  off  a  spavined  horse  on  the  uuwarv, 
the  horse  afterwards  going  dead  lame.  Nevertheless  it  will  show  itself 
if  the  horse  is  allowed  to  cool,  or  is  ridden  into  the  water  and  allowed  to 
stand  awhile,  for  a  horse  with  spavin  coming  on  as  he  becomes  warmed 
the  ligaments  become  freer  in  their  action,  and  an  animal  lame  at  first, 
will  go  well  enough  afterwards ;  yet,  in  the  end  the  horse  becomes  jjer" 
manently  lame,  until  the  deposit  about  the  bone,  called  anchj'losia, 
becomes  solidified,  when  the  joint  is  stiff  and  the  lameness  ceases. 

Causes. — The  causes  producing  spavin  may  be  various.  Hereditary 
*reakness  of  the  limbs  is  undoubtedly  one  of  the  principal  causes.  Thus 
a  blow,  a  sprain,  or  any  injury  producing  inflammation  will  cause  spavin 
in  such,  an  animal,  when  in  a  strong  muscled  and  fine  boned  animal  it 


440  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

would  }neld  readily  to  treatment.  The  reason  is,  a  feverish  and  unnealth^ 
condition  of  the  membrane  secreting  the  synovial  fluid  is  produced,  and 
the  firm  membrane  affording  no  outlet,  it  settles  into  the  spongy  bone, 
and  a  diseased  condition  ensues,  which  the  weight  and  motion  of  the 
animal  intensifies  until  confirmed  spavin  is  the  result.  AVhen  only  the 
•plint  bone  is  affected  there  is  chance  for  recovery,  but  when  the  cube 
bone  is  affected  there  is  but  little  chance  for  relief  until  the  disease  has 
run  its  course,  and  ended  in  a  joint  more  or  less  stiff. 

How  to  know  it. — Sprains  do  not  invariably  cause  lameness.  There 
may  be  little  or  no  local  swelling  as  in  occult  spavin,  as  ulceration  is 
called,  in  the  center  of  the  joint  between  the  flat  bones.  The  swelling, 
when  it  does  exist,  is  in  front  and  on  the  inside  and  on  the  lower  part  of 
the  joint,  and  may  best  be  seen  by  standing  about  midway  of  the  body 
so  as  to  get  a  side  view  of  the  front  of  the  hock.  "When  the  swelling  is 
in  front  of  the  hock  it  is  most  to  be  feared.  It  is  hard  and  is  to  be  dis- 
tinguished from  the  tense  but  elastic  swelling  caused  by  sprain  of  the 
flexor  tendon,  or  from  the  flexible  and  fluctuating  swelling  of  bog  spa\in. 

The  swelling  of  bone  spavin  may  be  more  to  the  front  or  farther  back 
on  the  inside  of  the  hock,  or  even  shown  principally  on  the  outside,  and 
in  case  it  extends  to  the  true  hock  joint,  it  may  end  in  bony  formation  to 
such  a  degree  as  to  close  the  articulation  (play  of  the  parts)  and  produce 
a  stiff  joint.  The  animal  if  turned  from  side  to  side  in  the  stall  will 
move  stiff  and  on  the  toe.  This  same  stiffness  is  also  seen  when  the 
animal  first  starts  off,  but  which  may  nearly  or  quite  disappear  when  the 
animal  becomes  warm.  The  horse  will  sometimes  jerk  up  the  limb  as 
though  he  had  string-halt.  By  turning  him  quickly  in  a  small  circle  he 
will  carry  the  limb  more  or  less  stiff,  or  rest  on  the  toe  only. 

What  to  do. — In  any  case  rest  and  a  high  heeled  shoe  should  be  allowed. 
In  the  acute  stage  or  early  in  the  development  of  the  disease,  place  the 
horse  in  slings  if  possible.  Foment  thoroughly  with  hot  water  in  which 
an  ounce  of  laudanum  is  mixed  to  each  two  quarts  of  water.  Give  four 
dmchms  of  aloes  if  the  bowels  are  costive,  and  give  half  an  ounce  to  an 
ounce  of  saltpeter  in  the  water,  morning  and  night,  until  a  free  flow  of 
urine  is  had.  When  the  inflammation  has  subsided  blister.  The  follow- 
ing will  be  effectual : 

Ho.  179.  1  Part  corrosire  sublimate. 

12  Parts  oil  of  turpentine, 

Mix  thoroughly  and  rub  in.  Firing  with  a  white  hot  iron  is  still  more 
effectual,  yet  the  iron  and  the  corrosive  liniment  are  apt  to  leave  a  blemish. 
A  i:iilder  preparation  is  : 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  441 

No.  180.  2  Drachms  oil  of  rosemary, 

>i  Ounce  powdered  cantharides, 
4  Ounces  mercurial  ointment. 

Grind  thoroughly  together  and  rub  on  heating  it  in  -with  a  warm  iron. 

If  there  is  simply  swelling,  in  old  cases,  thorough  and  frequent  rubbing 
with  oleate  of  mercury  will  dissipate  what  swelling  has  not  actually  be- 
come bone.  Setons  are  also  most  valuable  in  spavin.  Thfe  needle  should 
be  passed  for  a  considerable  space  under  the  skin,  over  the  seat  of  spavin. 
AjK)int  the  tape  with  the  following  ; 

No.  181.  1  Part  powdered  white  hellebore, 

8  Parts  lard, 
Mix  with  gentle  heat. 

Before  the  application  of  either  blister  or  seton  we  would  advise 
thrusting  a  narrow-pointed  bistoury  under  the  sprain  and  scarifying  the 
parts.  In  no  event,  however,  should  resort  be  had  to  cutting  away  the 
bony  parts  which  have  formed,  with  mallet  and  chisel,  as  we  have  seen 
them.  It  is  barbarous,  inhuman,  and  can  do  no  good  whatever.  Some 
cases  will  absolutely  resist  all  and  any  means  foi  cure  ;  others  again  will 
yield  kindly  in  from  one  to  three  months.  In  young  horses  if  treatment 
be  given  in  time,  a  cure  may  generally  be  effected.  With  old  horses  the 
cure  is  difficult. 

V.   Enlargement  of  the  Hock. 

Nature  has  protected  the  hocks  in  a  most  ample  manner,  to  prevent 
injury  under  ordinary  circumstances,  and  in  fact,  under  exceptional  cir- 
cumstances, except  those  of  an  accidental  or  violent  nature.  From  vari- 
ous bruises  or  strains,  inflammation  and  lameness  may  ensue.  Eest  and 
fomentations  will  generally  set  this  right  if  taken  early.  Sometimes, 
however,  the  enlargement  will  continue  to  grow  in  spite  of  all  efforts  to 
the  contrary,  and  until  the  entire  joint  is  involved. 

How  to  know  it. — ^There  are  two  forms  of  this  disease.  In  one,  the 
tendons  and  cartilages  only  are  affected.  This  will  generally  yield  to 
fomentations  and  a  few  applications  of  oleate  of  mercury.  If  not,  blister, 
using  the  prescription  No.  180.  Another  form  is  more  serious.  From 
a  severe  blow  or  other  cause,  there  is  a  bruise  of  the  bone,  b}^  which  the 
investing  membrane,  called  the  periosteum,  is  either  severely  strained  or 
torn  loose,  giving  rise  to  inflammation  and  formation  and  deposit  of  bony 
matter  on  the  surface  of  the  bone,  sometimes  to  such  a  degree  that  the 
parts  are  of  excessive  size,  and  the  leg  so  lame  that  it  is  only  with  great 
difiiculty  the  animal  can  walk.     The  animal  may,  indeed,  as  in  the  case 


^42  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK   DOCTOR. 

of  bad  spavin,  be  capable  of  doing  farm  work  even  with  a  stiff  leg,  but  is 
totally  unfit  for  driving  on  the  road. 

What  to  do. — Precisely  the  same  treatment  must  be  pursued  as  in  the 
case  of  bone  spavin.  Fomentations,  while  in  the  stage  of  fever  or  in- 
flammation, and  blistering,  firing  and  setons  to  assist  absorption.  It 
must  be  rememljered,  however,  that  either  in  spavin,  or  any  other  disease 
of  the  bones,  joints,  cartilages,  or  muscular  tissues,  that  straining  of  the 
parts  is  likely  to  ensue  again,  and  consequently  care  must  be  taken  abou\ 
overworking  or  injuring  by  fast  driving,  especially  on  rough  ground. 

VL   Ring-bone. 

This  is  a  deposit  of  bony  matter  above  and  below  the  coronet  of  the 
foot,  just  where  the  hair  begins  above  the  hoof,  or  of  the  bone  of  the 
hoof,  as  the  coffin  bone  is  called,  or  bony  growth  on  the  pasterns. 

Causes. — It  is  caused  by  heavy  work,  hard  pulling  by  draft  horses, 
bruises  of  the  bone  by  pounding  of  the  feet  on  hard  roads  and  pavements, 
generally  beginning  as  inflammation  of  the  membranes  covering  the 
bones,  and  at  these  points  giving  attachments  to  the  ligaments  at  the  side 
of  the  lower  or  small  pastern  bone,  or  of  the  lower  end  of  the  upper  or 
large  pastern.  Sometimes  the  bony  formation  proceeds  to  such  an  ex- 
tent, involving  and  covering  the  whole  surface,  as  to  produce  a  kind  of 
club  foot. 

How  to  know  it. — There  may  be  lameness  or  not,  except  on  hard 
ground,  or  upon  liinding  the  limb,  in  old-seated  ring-bones.  During  the 
beginning  of  the  evil,  or  while  there  is  inflammation,  and  a  tender,  elas- 
tic swelling,  and  a  more  or  less  doughy  state  (engorgement)  of  the  soft 
parts.  In  the  course  of  the  disease  this  matter  becomes  hard,  from  being 
turned  into  a  soft  or  spongy  bony  formation.  The  swelling  may  be 
scarcely  seen  and  confined  to  the  sides  of  the  pastern  bone,  or  there  may 
be  great  enlargement  of  the  whole  surface.  If  the  trouble  occurs  in  a 
fore-leg,  the  heel  is  put  do\vn  first ;  if  the  ring-bone  is  in  the  hind-foot, 
and  in  the  sides  or  back  part  of  the  pastern,  the  toe  will  be  put  down 
first. 

What  to  do. — For  the  fore-foot,  put  on  a  thin-heeled  bar  shoe.  If  la 
the  hind-foot,  a  high-hccled  shoe.  That  is,  if  the  animal  walks  on  the 
toe,  use  a  high-heeled  shoe  ;  if  on  the  heel,  a  thin-heeled  shoe.  If  there 
is  inflammation,  known  by  heat  and  tenderness,  use  fomentations  of  hot 
water,  porscveringly  applied  until  it  is  reduced.  Then  blister  severely 
with  the  following: : 

o 


THE   HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  443 

K».  182.  10  Dropg  muriatic  acid, 

20  Grains  corrosive  sublimate, 
20  Grains  camplior, 
1  Ounce  oil  of  *iirpentine. 

Mix,  and  apply  until  a  sufficient  blister  is  formed ;  then  wash  ofp  to 
prevent  blemish  and  keep  the  blister  running  as  long  as  possible,  by  cor- 
ering  with  a  rag  well  smeared  with  mutton  tallow.  Blister  again  if  neces- 
sary. Or,  use  the  means  pursued  in  spavin,  oleate  of  mercury,  if  the 
case  is  not  difficult. 

If  the  ring-bone  has  been  of  long  standing,  the  only  relief  will  be  the 
growth  of  bony  matter  over^the  joint.  There  will  be  more  or  less  stiff- 
ness in  the  joint,  but  the  horse  may  do  slow  work.  Old  horses  are  more 
difficult  to  cure  than  young  ones,  and  in  any  case  to  avoid  blemish,  the 
case  must  be  taken  at  the  first  indication.  Then  thorough  fomentations, 
slight  blistering,  a  proper  shoe  and  rest  will  accomplish  a  cure.  If  there 
is  simply  a  hardening  of  the  integuments,  oleate  of  mercury,  in  developed 
ring-bone  or  spavin,  will  reduce  so  much  of  it  as  is  not  already  bony 
^owth. 

Vn.   Stifle. 

Any  difficulty  of  the  stifle  joint,  by  which  the  animal  is  more  or  less 
disabled  from  the  use  of  the  limb,  is  by  the  generality  of  horsemen 
termed  stifling,  it  being  supposed  to  be  a  dislocation  of  the  stifle  bone, 
corresponding  to  the  knee-pan  in  man.  Dislocation,  however,  is  ex- 
tremely rare.  The  displacement  of  the  whirlbone  of  the  stifle  joint  when 
it  occurs,  will  cause  the  animal  to  throw  the  Umb  straight  out  behind. 
This  form  often  becomes  chronic  ;  that  is,  occurs,  and  the  habit  is  fixed 
from  ^apparently  slight  causes,  or  any  cause  that  shall  compel  the  animal 
to  throw  the  leg  back  farther  than  is  usual  in  going  at  a  slow  gait.  It  is 
often  produced  in  the  first  place  by  catching  the  hind  leg  or  hoof  in  some- 
thing which  forcibly  holds  it. 

How  to  know  it. — The  horse  will  hold  the  leg  extended  out  behind , 
the  head  will  be  raised  and  the  animal  will  go  on  three  legs  ;  there  is 
every  evidence  of  extreme  pain,  but  no  heat  nor  swelling.  Upon  exam- 
ining the  stifle  bone,  the  patella,  corresponding  to  the  knee  pan  in  man, 
will  be  found  outside  those  against  which  it  should  fit.  When  the 
dislocation  is  inward,  the  limb  will  be  drawn  upward. 

What  to  do. — Get  the  animal  into  a  close  place  ;  have  him  held  firmly 
by  the  head  ;  pass  a  rope  about  the  fetlock  and  over  any  projection,  so 
the  limb  may  be  drawn  forward.  Bring  the  limb  forward  and  upward, 
and  standing  behind  and  against  the  hip,  press  the  bone  toward  and  into 


444  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

its  place.  Hold  it  there  firmly  until  the  muscles  regain  their  ori^nal 
contractibility  in  some  measure,  and  use  an  infusion  of  bayberry  or  oak 
bark,  cold,  freely,  for  some  days. 

In  addition  to  this  it  is  better  that  the  horse  be  made  to  stand  on  the 
injured  limb.  To  do  this  it  is  usual  to  tie  a  cord  tightly  about  the  other 
hind  le£?.  This  is  apt  to  make  a  blemish.  Tie  the  other  foot  so  it  cannot 
be  thrown  back. 

In  nine  cases  out  of  ten  when  the  owner  supposes  his  horse  to  be  stifled 
the  difficulty  will  be  found  to  be  from  injury  to  some  other  part  of  the 
limb,  as  sprain  of  any  of  the  ligaments  of  the  leg,  of  the  fetlock,  a 
prick  of  the  hoof,  etc.,  causing  the  animal  to  hold  the  limb  in  such  a 
way  as  to  cause  the  stifle  bone  to  seem  displaced. 

Horses  often  injure  the  parts  around  the  stifle  joint  by  running,  leaping, 
or  from  bruises  or  other  hurts.  In  this  case  the  treatment  is  to  be  the 
same  as  in  any  other  sprain  or  bruise.  In  mild  cases  the  following  will 
be  found  good  to  bathe  the  sprain  or  bruise  with  : 

No.  183.  1  Ounce  tincture  of  arnica, 

1  Pint  rain  water. 

Bathe  the  affected  part  freely  with  this  from  time  to  time.  If  the 
difficulty  is  severe,  fomentations  of  hot  water  must  be  perseveringly  used 
until  the  inflammation  subsides,  and  then  resort  may  be  had  to  blistering 
if  necessary,  or  a  seton  may  be  placed  under  the  affected  part  to  get  up 
counter  irritation.  In  severe  cases  the  cure  is  slow  and  the  animal  must 
have  absolute  rest. 

In  any  difficulty  in  or  about  the  stifle  joint,  it  is  well  to  examine  care- 
fully for  wounds  or  bruises. 

A  wound  of  the  parts  will  often  cause  intense  pain,  and  to  the  unin- 
itiated, apparently  all  the  symptoms  of  dislocation.  The  veterinarian  is 
never  deceived,  and  no  one  need  be  if  he  brings  common  sense  and  a 
careful  examination  to  bear  upon  any  wound,  bruise,  strain  or  other 
injury.  There  will  be  blood,  matter,  swelling  or  heat  in  the  part  af- 
fected.    This  found,  use  the  remedies  prescribed  in  such  cases. 

Vm.    Splint. 

Causes. — The  name  is  given  to  a  peculiar  enlargement  generally  found 
OD  the  outside  of  the  small  bones  of  the  fore  leg,  and  inside  the  leg. 
The  causes  are  not  well  defined.  Splint  may  be  caused  by  violent  blows 
or  other  injuries,  but  it  seems  to  be  more  a  consequence  of  weight  and 
strain.  The  inner  splint  bone,  or  small  bone  of  the  leg,  is  placed  nearer 
the  center  of  the  body  than  the  other,  and  there  is  at  almost  all  times 
greater  weight  upon  it,  while  on  certain  occasions  it  may  also  be  subjected 


THE   HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  445 

to  more  violent  strain,  whence  inflammation  may  set  in,  and  a  bony 
deposit  result.  Raising  the  outer  heel  of  the  shoe  more  than  ordinarily, 
contributes  in  some  degree  to  produce  an  unnatural  strain  upon  this  bone. 
The  term  splint  is  applied  also  to  those  bony  tumors  that  sometimes  ap- 
pear on  the  outer  shank  bone.  These  are  more  readily  accounted  for, 
as  this  part  of  the  leg  is  peculiarly  liable  to  blows  and  other  injuries. 

How  to  know  it. — In  the  first  stage  of  the  disease,  while  the  splint  is 
forming,  there  is  inflammation  of  the  periosteum  or  bone-covering  mem-  * 
brane ;  there  is  lameness  :  and  though  no  swelling  may  yet  be  visible, 
you  can  discover  it  by  passing  the  open  hand  down  the  side  of  the  leg, 
with  the  thumb  on  the  small  bone,  or  rather  in  the  groove  formed  by  the 
two  small  bones.  A  small,  hard  swelling  will  be  found,  which,  being 
pressed  upon,  will  cause  the  animal  to  flinch. 

When  the  tumor  is  well-developed  and  plain  to  the  sight,  it  is  not  gen- 
erally attended  with  lameness,  from  the  fact  that  the  periosteum  has  ac- 
commodated itself  to  the  new  formation,  and  the  inflammation,  with 
consequent  soreness,  has  subsided.  Then  it  happens  that  a  very  little 
splint  will  often  cause  more  lameness  than  one  which  is  so  large  as  to  be 
easily  seen  at  a  distance. 

In  cases  of  much  inflammation  and  extreme  soreness,  the  horse  stands 
resting  the  toe  upon  the  ground,  with  the  leg  slightly  bent ;  and  this 
great  heat  may  extend  itself  by  sympathy  to  the  soft  parts  of  the  leg 
nearest  the  splint,  but  this  is  seldom  the  case. 

Sometimes  the  animal  is  apparently  free  from  all  trouble  when  merely 
put  to  a  walk,  but  will  discover  extreme  lameness  in  trotting — the  extra 
concussion  producing  much  pain,  and  examination,  as  previously  directed, 
will  disclose  the  seat  of  the  trouble. 

What  to  do. — If  the  protuberance  is  small,  and  there  is  no  lameness, 
do  nothing,  unless  the  horse  is  valuable  and  the  tumor  is  unsightly.  It 
will  disappear  by  natural  absorption  as  the  animal  increases  in  years, 
provided  there  is  no  directly  exciting  cause  constantly  at  work.  An 
unskillful  attempt  to  cure  will  sometimes  lead  to  lameness  and  an  increase 
of  the  splint. 

If  it  is  a  recent  formation,  and  treatment  is  thought  necessary,  observe 
whether  the  irritation  is  such  as  to  have  produced  extreme  tenderness  of 
the  part,  and  swelling  of  the  soft  parts  of  the  leg.  If  so,  lessen  the 
inflammation,  and  thus  also  the  soreness,  by  cool,  softening  poultices,  or 
frequent  application  of  cold  salt  and  water.  Then  shave  the  hair  off 
from  over  and  around  the  protuberance,  and  rub  in,  at  evienjug,  the  fol- 
lowing mercurial  ointment : 

No.  184.  1  Drachm  biniodide  of  mercury, 

1  Ounce  lard. 


^.J6  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

Continue  this  until  a  free  watery  discharge  is  produced  from  the  sur- 
face. As  a  general  rule  this  is  sufficient,  for  even  though  it  may  not 
directly  disappear,  it  will  gradually  do  so  from  this  time,  unless  the 
tumor  interferes  materially  with  the  ligaments  or  tendons. 

If  it  is  laro-e,  or  near  the  joint,  or  extends  so  as  to  destroy  the  motion 
that  naturally  exists  between  the  two  small  bones,  cast  the  horse,  and 
secure  him  from  violent  struggling — then  scarify  the  periosteum  or 
membrane  covering  the  bone,  over  the  splint.  For  this  pui-pose,  have  a 
small,  probe-like  knife,  shaped  like  a  scimiter,  with  the  cutting  edge  on 
the  convex  side.  Make  a  small  opening  about  an  inch  below  the  splint, 
turn  the  little  probe  knife  flat  and  insert  it  into  this  opening  and  urge  it 
forward  until  the  point  has  passed  over  the  protuberance.  Now  turn  the 
cutting  edge  down,  and  scarify  the  periosteum  well,  making  several  cuts 
across  the  splint,  and  with  such  force  as  to  reach  the  naked  bone  every 
time.  Withdraw  the  knife  and  insert  a  seton  needle,  with  tape  fixed  as 
usual ;  pass  the  point  up  past  the  splint,  send  it  through  the  skin,  and 
draw  the  tape  through.  Slightly  enlarge  the  upper  end  of  the  tape,  so 
that  it  cannot  come  out  below,  and  the  work  is  done.  Suppuration  will 
ensue  in  from  seven  to  fourteen  days  ;  absorption  will  follow,  and  the 
splint  will  almost  invariably  disappear. 

During  treatment  the  horse  should  be  kept  from  work,  as  any  consider- 
able exercise,  particularly  any  straining  in  harness,  or  concussion  by  rapid 
motion,  will  increase  lameness  and  render  cure  more  tedious  and  difficult. 

IX.    Sore  Shins— Inflammation  of  the  Metacarpal  Bones. 

This  is  an  inflammation  of  the  membrane  covering  the  shank  bones, 
and  is  not  confined  to  any  particular  classes  of  horses,  though  racing  or 
other  fast  worked  horses  are  more  subject  to  the  affection  than  are  draft 
horses,  the  difficulty  generally  occurring  before  the  animal  becomes 
mature. 

Causes. — The  cause  is  undoubtedly  over-working  and  abuse  before  the 
bones  and  integuments  become  fully  developed. 

How  to  know  it. — The  lameness  resembles  that  of  splint.  There  is 
swelling  over  the  shin  bone,  which  is  tense  as  though  stretched,  elastic, 
and  doughy  to  the  touch.  There  is  heat  and  tenderness,  and  sometimes 
the  swelling  becomes  excessive,  and  breaks,  but  always  preserves  its  e\as- 
tic  feeling.  Or  the  swelling  may  not  be  extensive,  but  gradually  hardens 
through  the  formation  of  bony  matter,  until  at  length  the  pain  disappears. 

In  these  slight  cases,  the  matter  thrown  out  between  the  bone  and 
membrane,  is  generally  converted  into  a  bony  formation  and  the  skin  re- 
mains permanently  thickened.      In  severe  cases   the  throwing   out   of 


THE   HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  447 

matter  (lymph)  may  separate  the  membrane  and  the  bone,  and  eventuate 
in  necrosis,  or  death  of  the  bone. 

What  to  do. — If  the  difficulty  is  not  severe,  cold  water  faithfully  ap- 
plied during  the  inflammatory  stage,  and  later,  blisters,  will  be  all  that 
will  be  necessary.  In  fact,  treat  it  precisely  as  is  recommended  for 
splint. 

In  very  severe  cases,  where  there  is  great  tenderness,  and  decided 
doughy  swelling,  make  a  series  of  incisions  with  a  bistoury  or  narrow- 
bladed  knife,  carrying  the  blade  a  short  way  beneath  the  skin,  and  then 
cutting  down  to  the  bone.  This  is  done  to  let  the  contents  escape.  Use 
as  a  fomentation  hot  water  containing  half  an  ounce  to  an  ounce  of  laud- 
anum to  a  pint,  and  afterwards  with  cold  water.  If  the  healing  is  not 
prompt,  apply  a  blister.  In  a  majority  of  cases  it  should  yield  by  apply- 
ing the  following  astringent  lotion  : 

No.  185.  60  Drops  carbolic  acid, 

yi  Ounce  sugar  of  lead, 
2  Quarts  rainwater. 

It  may  be  necessary,  in  fact  it  will  be  better,  to  give  a  purgative,  4  cr 
5  drachms  of  aloes,  to  be  followed  by  20  drops  tincture  of  aconite,  three 
or  four  times  a  day.  The  animal  should  have  perfect  rest  and  be  kept 
on  sound  hay  and  bran  mashes. 

X.   Botten  Bone. 

This  is  called  necrosis  when  it  attacks  the  shaft  or  body  of  the  horse, 
*nd  caries  when  it  is  confined  to  the  ends  at  its  joints. 

Causes. — Death  and  decay  of  the  bone,  from  inflammation.  It  is  lia- 
ble to  occur  in  poll-evil,  founder,  from  cracked  or  broken  bones,  and 
inflammation  of  the  membranes. 

How  to  know  it. — There  will  be  severe  inflammation,  followed  by  one 
flr  more  abscesses,  which  break  and  discharge.  They  do  not  heal,  but 
form  fistulas  (pipes).  The  discharge  at  first  may  be  thin  and  without 
smell,  but  after  a  time  there  is  a  peculiar  and  fetid  odor,  characteristic 
of  decayed  bone. 

What  to  do. — The  proper  thing  to  do  is  to  cut  down  at  once  to  the 
decayed  bone,  scrape  it  clean,  remove  all  loose  portions,  wash  the  wound 
■with  chloride  of  zinc  lotion,  made  as  follows : 

So.  186.  40  Grains  chloride  of  zinc, 

1  Ounce  distilled  water. 

The  wound  made  in  cutting  is  to  be  treated  as  is  any  wound.     If  the 


148  ILLUSTRATED     STOCK     DOCTOR. 

cuttino'  be  extensive  enouorh  to  warrant  it  close  with  stitches,  cover  witli 
lint  steeped  in  oil  to  which  a  little  carbolic  acid  is  added.  If  healing  do 
not  progress  satisfactorily,  that  is  if  the  granulations  at  the  edges  do  not 
contract  fast  enough,  stimulate  by  washing  with  tincture  of  aloes  and 
myrrh.  So  far  as  this  cutting  and  scarifying  is  concerned  it  should  be 
done  by  a  surgeon.  If  this  cannot  be  done,  open  the  fistulas  clear  to  th» 
bottom  and  wash  out  once  a  day  with  the  following : 

No.  187.  Ji  Ounce  sulphate  of  zinc, 

>i  Ounce  sulphate  of  copper, 

1  Ounce  solution  of  sub-acetate  of  lead, 

6  Ounces  pyroligeous  acid,  (or  better,  white  wine  vinegar). 

To  one  part  of  this  use  ten  parts  of  water,  and  inject  with  force  from 
a  syringe  once  a  day  for  two  weeks  if  necessary. 

XI.   Inflammation  of  the  Knee-joint. 

Inflammation  of  the  knee  or  other  joints  may  occur  in  all  stages,  from 
the  most  simple  form  to  those  most  violent,  with  ulceration,  and  the 
formation  of  destructive  abscesses. 

Causes. — Jarring  on  hard  roads  ;  various  injuries,  such  as  bruises, 
strains,  etc. 

How  to  know  it. — In  light  cases  the  horse  in  starting  forward  will  do 
so  from  the  knee  and  with  pain.  There  will  be  excessive  flinching  if  the 
knee  is  extended  by  force.  The  animal  stands  square  on  his  feet,  and 
without  inclination  to  raise  the  heel.  In  walking  he  takes  a  fair  step,  but 
carries  the  knee  joint  as  much  without  bending  as  possible,  and  in  putting 
down  his  foot  exerts  the  greatest  pressure  on  the  heel. 

What  to  do. — Take  off  the  shoes.  Treat  the  inflammation  as  directed 
in  other  cases  ;  first  by  hot  water  embrocations  perseveringly  applied, 
using  laudanum  as  directed  if  necessary  to  relieve  pain.  There  must  be 
perfect  rest,  and  if  the  animal  will  use  the  limb  put  him  in  slings,  and 
apply  splints  and  bandages  to  the  knee.  The  inflammation  having  been 
cured,  blister  the  parts,  to  promote  absorption  of  the  fluids.  When  the 
animal  is  better  let  him  have  the  run  of  a  quiet  pasture  until  entirely 
sound,  or  keep  him  in  the  stable  with  gentle  walking  exercise  every  day. 

XII.    Caries  of  the  Lower-jaw. 

Causes. — Caries,  or  ulceration  of  the  lower  jaw  bone,  between  the 
tushes  and  grinders,  is  caused  almost  wholly  by  the  barbarous  use  of  bits 
and  curb-chains.  Injury  is  also  sometimes  inflicted  upon  the  bony  plate 
of  the  roof  of  the  mouth  by  pressure  of    the  curb,  when  a  tight  nose 


THE   HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  449 

band  keeps  the  mouth  shut  down.  The  gums  of  the  lower  jaw  are  very 
often  hurt,  and  not  infrequently  the  bone  itself  is  so  bruised  as  to  result 
in  this  ulceration.  When  this  is  the  case,  the  gum,  unless  forcibly  opened, 
must  slough,  so  that  the  injured  portion  of  the  bone  can  be  cast  off.  Thus 
a  stinking  sore  is  made,  and  one  of  long  continuance,  as  the  scaling  of  the 
bone  and  the  escape  of  the  loosened  particles  is  a  tedious  process,  and 
•ttended  no  little  suffering. 

How  to  know  it. — Examination  of  the  gums  is  necessary  to  disclose  the 
trouble  when  it  exists  simply  as  a  bruise.  The  spot  will  appear  ol"  a 
color  different  from  the  adjacent  parts,  and  pressure  upon  it  will  cause 
the  animal  to  wince  with  pain.  Even  if  neglected  till  there  is  a  discharg- 
ing sore,  it  is  not  always  detected  at  once,  as  the  discharge  is,  in  the 
beginning,  of  a  watery  character,  and  is  lost  in  the  saliva,  though  con- 
stantly going  on.  On  contact  with  the  bit,  however,  there  is  a  mixture 
of  blood  and  watery  matter,  and  some  of  this  escapes  constantly  while 
the  horse  is  in  use.  This  ought  to  attract  the  attention  of  the  master,  if 
nothing  else  has,  and  lead  to  thorough  examination.  There  will  be  found, 
in  that  case,  a  depression  in  the  gum,  and,  fixed  to  the  bottom  of  the 
-cavity,  a  mass  of  proud  flesh.  The  discharge  will  be  characterized  by  a 
very  offensive  stench. 

What  to  do. — If  the  bruised  place  on  the  gum,  accompanied  with  sens- 
itiveness to  pressure,  is  discovered  before  there  is  any  break  or  exudation 
of  matter,  have  a  strong,  keen  knife,  and  cut  to  the  bone.  The  incision 
made  ought  to  correspond  with  the  extent  of  the  bruised  bone.  The 
grating  of  the  knife  upon  this  sore  portion  will  cause  the  horse  to  strug- 
gle with  more  or  less  violence,  owing  to  the  exceeding  soreness  and  ten- 
derness of  the  injured  part ;  and  this  may  in  some  sort  furnish  a  guide 
as  to  the  amount  of  incision  necessary.  If  the  opening  is  too  small  for 
the  scaled  bone  to  be  easily  cast  out,  it  will  be  necessary  to  employ  the 
bone  forceps  with  which  to  grasp  and  withdraw  it. 

Upon  cutting  it,  a  thin,  watery  fluid  will  flow  out.  Care  must  now  be 
taken  to  see  that  the  incision  is  not  allowed  to  close  over  and  retain  the 
injured  bone,  as  this  would  ultimately  result  in  a  foul  and  troublesome 
ulcer. 

When  the  discharge  has  somewhat  thickened,  and  is  peculiarly  of- 
fensive to  the  smell,  showing  that  the  bone  is  decaying  and  that  nature  is 
making  an  effort  to  cast  off  the  injured  portion,  wash  it  out  with  the 
«yringe,  several  times  a  day,  with  the  following  solution : 

Ko.  188.  1  Scruple  chloride  of  zinc, 

i  Drachma  essence  of  anise  seed, 
1  Pint  water. 


450  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 

If  treatment  is  deferred,  however,  till  there  is  an  open,  ulcerous  gum* 
with  the  existence  of  proud  flesh,  push  a  stick  of  lunar  caustic  deep  into 
the  unhealthy  granulation  in  the  cavity,  so  as  to  destroy  it.  Then  keep 
down  the  fungous  growth  by  the  use  of  the  caustic,  day  after  day,  until 
the  stinkinir  discharjre  has  ceased.  This  will  not  be  until  the  bone  has 
ceased  to  scale  away ;  and  the  wound  may  now  be  safely  left  to  heal. 

A  cure  affected,  the  next  thing  to  do  is  to  select  a  bit  that  shall  press 
upon  another  part  of  the  mouth,  or  there  may  be  a  repetition  of  the  evil. 
The  snaffle  may  be  used  with  comparative  safety  where  the  curb  has  in*- 
flicted  serious  hurt. 


CHAPTER  XIT. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  FEET. 


ft.  ULCKRATION  OP  THE  FOOT    (NAVICULAR  DISEASE).  II.  CRACKED    HOOFS. IH.  HOOV 

KOT. IV.    CORNS.  V.   CONTRACTION   OF  THE  HOOP    (NARROW  HEEL). VI.   INJU- 
RIES TO  THE  PROG. ^VII.  FOUNDER. VIU.  NAIL  PRICKING. IX.  CANKER. X. 

SAND  CRACK. XI.  FALSE  QUARTER.  XII.   QUITTOR.  XIU.  TOE  CRACK. XIV. 

PUMICE  FOOT. XV.   SEEDY  TOE. XVI.   OSSIFIED  CARTILAGES. XVII.   SIDE  BONES. 

"'■~— XVUI.  INCISED  AND  PUNCTURED  WOUNDS  OF  THE  SOLE. 


I.    Ulceration  of  the  Foot— (Navicular  Disease). 

Between  the  coffin  bone  and  lower  pastern  there  is  a  small  bone  which 
forms  the  projection  of  the  heel  and  rests  upon  the  frog  of  the  foot. 
This  bone  is  called  the  shuttle  or  navicular  bone.  The  inflammation  of 
the  surface  of  this  bone  is  called  the  navicular  disease.  It  may  implicate 
the  sjrnovial  sac,  the  ligaments  and  the  flexor  tendon  which  plays  over  it. 
( )ne  of  the  uses  of  the  navicular  bone  is  to  give  increased  strehgth  to  the 
connection  between  the  coffin  bone  and  the  joint  above.  Another  use  is 
to  enable  the  flexor  tendon,  which  passes  over  it  and  is  joined  to  the 
coffin  bone,  to  give  increased  pliability,  strength  and  motion  to  the  foot. 
In  high  bred  horses,  and  all  those  used  for  fast  work,  this  bone  i» 
peculiarly  liable  to  injury  and  consequently  to  disease.  This  disease  is 
inflammation  and  subsequent  ulceration  of  this  highly  organized  bone. 
The  difficulty  may  extend  to  the  interior  of  the  bone ,  to  the  tendon  which 
passes  over  its  surface  and  even  involve  the  adjacent  parts. 

Causes- — It  is  thought  that  a  rheumatic  constitution  predisposes  an 
animal  to  this  disease.  Certain  it  is  that  highly  organized  and  weak 
limbed  animals  most  usually  suffer  from  it,  probably  from  the  fact  that 
they  are  not  able  to  withstand  an  injury  that  a  stronger  limbed  animal 
would  do,  especially  when  carrying  a  bad  fitting  shoe,  or  subject  lo 
Tiolent  exertion  or  over  strain  of  any  kind.  Other  causes  than  bad  shoes 
29  461 


^52  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 

and  concussion  of  the  bone  may  exist,  injury  from  nails  picked  up  on  th» 
road,  impaired  nutrition,  by  which  the  bones  are  not  sufficiently  nourished 
acting  to  assist  injury  to  the  bone. 

How  to  know  it. — The  foot  will  feel  hot,  yet  particular  heat  is  not 
always  present.  The  toe  will  be  pointed,  in  the  stable,  eight  or  ten  inches 
before  the  other,  and  with  the  heel  slightly  raised.  This  peculiarity  may 
indeed  be  noticed  often  for  a  long  time  before  any  particular  lameness  is 
noticed.  By-and-by  the  animal  will  be  observed  to  step  short,  and  on 
the  toe,  with  liability  to  stumble  when  first  taken  out  of  the  stable.  This 
will  disappear  as  the  animal  gets  warm,  but  will  show  again  when  cool. 
The  toe  of  the  shoe  will  become  more  worn  than  other  parts.  As  the 
disease  progresses  the  hoof  will  decrease  in  size,  particularly  in  the 
quarters  and  heels.  Trying  the  edges  of  the  hoofs  will  not  make  the 
animal  flinch  unless  there  be  corns,  but  by  tapping  the  sole  on  each  side 
of  the  body  of  the  frog  with  a  hammer,  or  upon  the  walls  of  the  hoof 
about  the  quarters,  will  give  pain.  By  bending  the  foot  back  and  press- 
in<^  with  the  thumb  in  the  hollow  of  the  heel  on  either  side  of  the  flexor 
tendon,  with  considerable  force,  it  will  cause  intense  pain.  These  are  all 
characteristic  tests.  There  may  be  sweeny  of  the  shoulder  from  disease 
of  the  muscles.  This  is  an  effect  of  the  disease  and  not  a  disease  in 
itself. 

What  to  do. — If  the  injury  is  new,  the  first  thing  to  be  done  is  to  re- 
duce the  inflammation.  Do  this  with  cold  water  applications  or  any  of 
thf!  remedies  advised  for  ring-bone,  spavin,  or  other  inflammation.  Give  in 
laxative  dose,  4  drachms  of  aloes  ;  have  the  shoes  taken  off  and  let  the 
horse  stand  during  the  day  time  in  pure  wet  clay  up  to  the  top  of  the 
hoof,  and  at  night  poultice  the  foot.  If  there  is  much  inflammation, 
bleed  in  the  arteries  above  the  coronet.  The  coronet  is  the  lowest  part 
of  the  pastern,  where  the  hair  grows  around  the  hoof.  Keep  the  horse 
perfectly  quiet,  and  if  he  has  a  fast  pulse,  give  an  ounce  of  salt  petre  in 
the  drinking  water  night  and  morning.  At  the  end  of  two  weeks,  or 
sooner  if  the  inflammation  is  gone,  blister  the  coronet  all  around.  Or, 
use  the  following : 

No.  189.  1  Ounce  camphor  gum, 

1  Ounce  corrosive  sublimate, 
1  Pint  oil  turpentine. 

Grind  the  sublimate  thoroughly  in  a  mortar,  and  put  into  a  strong  bot* 
tie  ;  pour  on  the  turpentine  and  shake  occasionally.  It  should  be  fit  for 
use  in  from  20  to  30  hours.  This  is  to  be  applied  every  other  day  to  the 
heel  and  bottom  of  the  foot,  first  paring  away  all  scaly,  ragged  parts. 


THE   HORSE,  ITS   DISEASES. 


453 


Heat  it  in  with  a  hot  iron.     This  preparation  is  of  great  strength  and 
power  and  must  be  used  canefully. 

If  preferred,  a  seton  may  be  put  in  the  bottom  of  the  foot  at  the  frog. 
To  do  this,  first  pare  the  scale  as  thin  as  possible  without  reaching  the 
quick ;  provide  a  sharp,  short,  well-curved  needle  threaded  with  tape  ; 
pierce  the  sole  about  an  inch  from  the  toe,  and  bring  out  midway  be-, 
tween  the  two  parts  of  the  frog  and  the  hoUow  of  the  heel ;  or  enter  at 
the  hollow  of  the  heel  and  bring  out  the  needle  at  the  body  of  the  frog. 
The  utmost  care  must  be  had  not  to  pierce  deep  enough  to  injure  the 
tendon  or  bursa  which  lies  close  there.  Tie  the  tape,  and  wet  daily  with 
2^0.  189,  or  the  following : 


No.  190. 


1  Part  powdered  cantharides, 
1  Part  oil  of  turpentine, 
8  Parts  Canada  balsam. 


Shake  the  two  first  well  together  and  add  the  balsam,  shaking  occa- 
eionally  for  24  hours,  and  apply  to  the  seton  tape  every  day,  turning  it 
at  the  same  time.  The  object  in  this  disease  is  to  produce  suppurative 
running  of  the  parts.     This  done,  the  cure  is  only  a  question  of  time. 

If,  in  spite  of  all  that  has  been  done  for  relief,  the  disease  proceeds  to 
degeneration  of  the  bone,  resort  must  be  had  to  cutting  the  nerves  lead- 
ing to  the  foot,  (Neurotomy)  which  will  be  described  in  the  proper 
chapter. 

n.   Cracked  Hoofs. 


Causes. — This  is  not  an  unusual  occurrence  in 
horses,  and  arises,  as  a  rule,  from  weak  and 
brittle  hoofs,  produced  by  a  dry  state  of  the 
hoof,  whatever  may  be  the  cause,  whether  fever 
or  other  causes  of  degeneration.  The  prolific 
causes  are  drying  of  the  wall  of  the  hoof, 
uneven  bearing  of  the  shoe,  calking  or  other 
wounds  or  injuries  of  the  coronet.  This  crack 
may  extend  down  from  the  coronet  according  to 
the  time  it  is  allowed  to  run. 


CLOSING  CBACE  IN  HOOV. 


What  to  do. — If    taken    early,    a    bar  shoe, 
having  an  even  bearing  all  round  will  generally 

relieve  the  difficulty.     In  connection  with  this,  apply   a  plaster  of  pitch 
over  the  injury. 

If  the  crack  becomes  determined,  as  in  the  cut  given,  it  must  be  kep< 


464  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

closed  together  by  clinching  a  thin  nail  on  each  side  of  the  gap  near  th« 
bottom  and  top,  or  else  with  thin  wire  as  shown  in  the  cut. 

Also  burn  a  groove  just  below  the  crack  about  an  inch  long  nearly 
down  to  the  quick.  It  is  also  well  to  slightly  blister  the  coronet  at  the 
top  of  crack.  An  efficient  and  stimulating  liniment  will  be  the  oil  of 
eantharides,  made  as  follows : 

No.  191.  1  Ounce  powdered  cantharides, 

8  Ounces  olive  oil. 

Mix  in  a  strong  bottle  and  set  it  in  water  kept  near  the  boiling  heat  for 
three  or  four  hours,  and  filter  through  close  linen.  Apply  once  a  day 
with  friction  until  the  part  is  tender.  Let  the  horse  have  rest,  or  turn 
into  a  pasture  until  cured. 

m.    Hoof  Kot. 

This  difficulty,  sometimes  called  tender  feet,  arises  from  diseases  of 
various  kinds,  spavin,  ring  bone,  chronic  founder,  navicular  disease. 
There  is  a  dry,  feverish  state  of  all  the  parts,  and  the  hoof,  and  especially 
the  sole,  becomes  decayed  and  sometimes  perishes  entirely. 

How  to  know  it. — The  bottom  of  the  hoof  is  dry  and  chalk-like,  so 
that  it  may  easily  be  dug  away  with  the  point  of  a  knife,  or  even  easily 
scraped  away.  The  frog  of  the  foot  diminishes  in  size,  and  the  ankle 
joints  are  apt  to  swell.  The  horse  steps  short  and  goes  lame,  if  in  one 
foot,  or  if  in  both,  cripples  in  his  gait.  The  a:ffected  foot  will  be  pointed 
forward  to  enable  the  animal  to  rest  on  the  sound  foot,  or  if  both  are 
affected,  first  one  and  then  the  other  vdW  be  placed  forward.  Sweeny  or 
wasting  of  the  muscles  of  the  leg  and  shoulder  result  simply  from  disease 
of  the  limb. 

What  to  do. — Remove  the  shoe,  pare  away  all  unsound  portions  of  the 
hoof  until  all  the  pumiced  parts  are  got  rid  of ;  also  the  frog  and  the 
sides  of  the  hoof.  Stimulate  the  bottom  of  the  hoof  by  washing  with  No. 
189  once  a  day  for  three  days,  heating  it  in  with  a  hot  iron.  Then  omit 
for  two  or  three  days  and  commence  again.  During  the  treatment  the 
animal  must  be  kept  in  the  stable  and  the  feet  should  be  kept  dry. 
When  hoof  rot  is  due  to  other  diseases,  as  ulceration  of  the  navicular 
joints,  it  will  do  no  good  to  follow  the  rule  laid  down  until  the  cause  of 
the  difficulty  is  removed. 

IV.    Corns. 

Corns  are  in  very  many  cases  the  result  of  other  diseases,  tending  to 
weakening  of  the  sole  rather  than  the  result  of  a  bruise  to  a  sound  hoof. 


THE   HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  ,#«^ 

Thus  a  horse  with  corns  should  be  thoroughly  examined  for  injury  to  the 
bones  of  the  hoof,  rotten  hoof,  etc. 

Causes. — ^  bruise  on  the  sole  below  the  bars  and  the  wall  at  the  heel, 
producing  a  horny  tumor  or  hardening,  which  presses  on  the  quick. 
Sometimes  there  is  inflammation,  owing  to  the  formation  of  matter 
which  works  out  either  at  the  top  of  the  hoof  or  at  the  toe,  from  the 
formation  of  a  fistula.  Then  it  is  Quittor.  They  may  be  found  on 
either  side  of  the  heel,  but  usually  on  the  inner  or  weaker  side. 

How  to  know  it, — There  will  be  flinching  when  the  walls  of  the  hoof 
and  sole  are  seized  and  strained  with  the  pincers  ;  thus  revealing  on 
which  side  and  the  locality  of  the  corn.  The  toe  will  be  pointed,  when 
at  rest,  and  with  the  heel  slightly  raised.  In  motion  the  gait  will  be 
short  and  stumbling.  If  it  has  proceeded  to  suppuration,  the  pain  will 
be  so  extreme  that  the  horse  will  fear  to  put  the  foot  to  the  ground.  If 
there  is  a  horny  tumor  forming,  it  may  be  known  upon  paring  the  hoof 
by  the  evident  appearance  of  a  white,  spongy,  horny  formation,  as  in  sand 
^rack. 

What  to  do — ^If  the  corns  proceed  from  other  disease,  causing  con- 
traction and  other  disabilities  of  the  hoof,  remove  these  causes  and  the 
corns  will  disappear.  If  the  corns  proceed  from  a  simple  and  recent 
bruise,  remove  the  shoe  and  rasp  down  the  bearing  surface  of  the  heels, 
so  there  may  be  no  pressure.  That  is,  the  heels  should  be  rasped  lower 
than  the  other  bearing  surfaces.  If  there  is  inflammation,  let  the  hoofs 
rest  in  cold  water,  or  keep  them  moist  with  a  wet  cloth  and  the  sole  with 
a  soft  sponge,  or  the  w^hole  hoof  may  be  enveloped  in  a  large  sponge  cut 
to  fit.  The  animal  should  wear  a  bar  shoe,  arranged  to  avoid  pressure 
on  the  parts  affected.  When  the  foot  ceases  to  be  tender,  keep  the  hoof 
and  sole  smeared  with  the  following  ointment,  to  render  it  soft  and  pro- 
mote healthy  growth : 

No.  192.  yi  Ounce  tallow, 

1  Ounce  oil  of  turpentine, 
4  Ounces  beeswax. 

Use  the  horse  at  light  w'ork  until  entirely  recovered. 

If  the  difficulty  be  found  to  be  a  suppurating  corn  (one  containing 
matter),  the  hoof  must  be  cut  down  to  let  all  the  matter  escape:  cut 
away  all  the  horn  that  has  become  separated  from  the  quick,  and  pare 
away  all  the  horn  around  the  parts  to  a  thin  edge.  Poultice  the  part 
with  a  linseed  poultice,  renewed  until  there  is  no  longer  tenderness,  and 
the  surface  is  smooth  and  healthy.  Then  put  on  a  bar  shoe  with  a 
leather  sole,  and  fill  the  space  from  behind  with  tar  held  in  place  with  a 


J56  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

stuffiii""  of  tow.  Give  entire  rest  and  no  pressure  on  the  heel  until  th« 
sole  of  the  foot  has  grown  out  naturall3\ 

If  the  corn  has  become  a  tumor  it  should  be  cut  out,  and  the  same 
treatment  pursued  as  advised  for  a  corn  that  has  formed  matter. 

Old  corns  sometimes  result  in  disorganization  of  the  parts,  or  death  of 
a  portion  of  the  heel,  disease  of  the  bone  of  the  foot,  or  ulceration  of 
the  cartilage.  In  this  case  they  must  be  treated  as  advised  for  Qiiittor  or 
for  navicular  disease. 

V.    Contraction  of  the  Hoof,  Narrow  Heel. 

In  a  healthy  condition  the  hoof  of  a  horse  should  be  nearly  round. 
Whatever,  shape  the  hoof  may  assume,  it  is  not  a  disease  in  itself  but  the 
result  of  disease  or  of  some  disability.  It  is  generally  the  result  of 
fever  in  the  feet  from  injury  to  bones,  ligaments  or  frog,  or  the  effect  of 
founder,  etc.  Contraction  of  the  hoof  exists  in  nearly  all  diseases  of 
the  feet,  and  may  occur  from  standing  idle  in  the  stable.  So  it  may 
result  from  undue  paring  of  the  heels,  the  bars  on  the  frog,  from  a  shoe 
remaining  on  so  long  that  the  foot  is  prevented  from  taking  its  natural 
growth. 

What  to  do. — The  only  thing  is  to  remove  the  shoes  and  round  the 
edges  of  the  hoofs  to  prevent  their  being  broken  or  split,  and  keep  the 
affected  hoofs  standing  every  day  from  early  in  the  morning  until  late  at 
night  in  puddled  clay  reaching  well  up  the  hoofs.  Continue  this  for  two, 
three,  or  four  weeks  as  the  case  may  be.  Then  use  prescription  No. 
192  as  a  hoof  ointment  until  the  hoof  is  brought  back  to  its  natural 
shape  as  near  as  may  be.  In  shoeing  let  the  shoe  be  without  bevel  on  its 
upper  side,  and  let  the  bearing  be  equal  on  all  parts  of  the  wall  of  the 
hoof. 

VI.    Injuries  of  the  Frog. 

The  frog  of  the  horse's  foot  is  especially  liable  to  injury  from  being 
bruised  upon  projecting  stones,  pierced  by  nails  and  splinters.  It  is  also 
liable  to  inflammation  of  the  secreting  membrane,  resulting  in  the  forma- 
tion of  matter,  and  to  canker. 

What  to  do. — In  all  bruises  with  soreness  pare  away  the  frog  carefully 
until  the  difticulty  is  found.  If  bruised,  treat  it  by  using  the  liniment 
No.  189.  If  pierced  with  some  sharp  substance  extract  it  and  inject 
tincture  of  aloes  and  myrrh.  If  the  diflSculty  be  thrush,  caused  by  expo- 
sure to  wet  and  filth,  bruise  of  the  frog,  hard  substance  lodged  in  the 
cleft,  or  other  cause,  there  will  be  soreness  of  the  skin  behind  the  cleft 


THE   HOBSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  457 

of  the  frog,  and  a  bad  smelling  discharge  from  the  cleft  with  more  or 
less  lameness. 

Wash  the  affected  parts  thoroughly.  Cut  away  all  ragged  surfaces 
and  press  into  the  cleft  or  wound  dry  calomel,  or  finely  powdered  sul- 
phate of  copper. 

Vn.    Pounder. 

Founder,  or  inflammation  of  the  feet,  called  by  veterinarians  laminitis, 
consists  in  fever,  inflammation  of  the  sensitive  parts  of  the  foot,  including 
the  laminee,  and  of  the  foot  bone,  but  is  most  severe  in  the  forward  por- 
tion, where  greatest  strain  occurs  when  standing.  Acute  inflammation  of 
the  foot,  or  founder,  differs  but  little  in  its  physical  manifestations  from 
other  inflammatory  symptoms,  except  that  it  seems  more  complete  and 
permanent.  Acute  founder  is  generally  produced  by  overwork  or  over- 
heating and  exhaustion  and  sudden  cooling,  while  the  sub-acute  form 
may  be  the  result  of  diseases  of  the  respiratory  organs,  suddenly  leaving 
those  parts  and  manifesting  itself  in  the  extremities. 

Causes. — The  disease  may  be  brought  about  directly  from  hard  work 
on  dry,  solid  roads,  and  consequent  strain  on  the  laminae  (scale  of  the 
bones),  from  over-feeding  or  drinking  cold  water  when  warm,  especially 
when  the  predisposing  cause  already  exists.  So  it  may  be  brought  about 
by  other  diseases,  as  inflammation  of  the  lungs.  Heavy,  fat  horses  are 
especially  predisposed  to  founder,  and  so  are  those  ^ith  small  and  de- 
formed or  large,  flat  feet. 


ACUTE  FEVER  IJf  THE  FEET. 


How  to  know  it. — There  will  be  general  fever  and  stiffness,  and  sore- 
ness ;  there  may  or  may  not  be  shivering.  Soon  extreme  tenderness  of 
the  feet  follows,  generally  most  severe  in  the  forward  part,  but  soon  m 
the  heel ;    the  pulse  is  strong,  full  and  rapid ;  the  breathing  quickened. 


458  k  ILLUSTRATED   STOCK   DOCTOK. 

with  dilated  nostrils  ;  the  intensity  of  the  pain  will  often  cause  the  anima* 
to  o-roan  and  to  break  out  into  a  sweat.  If  pushed  backward  the  horse 
will  elevate  the  toes  and  throw  his  weight  on  the  heels  by  a  peculiar 
motion.  The  hoof  and  frog  will  be  hot  and  very  sensitive  to  pressure, 
and  the  arteries  of  the  pasterns  will  beat  with  violence. 

When  the  inflammation  is  in  the  hind  feet,  the  fore  feet  are  carried  at 
far  under  the  body  as  possible  to  support  the  weight,  while  the  hind  feet 
are  thrown  forward  to  bring  the  weight  upon  the  heels.  In  either  case, 
the  animal  will  often  lie  stretched  out  for  hours  to  relieve  the  intense 
pain  of  the  feet. 

Founder  has  sometimes  been  mistaken  for  a  disease  called  myositis,  an 
inflammation  of  the  muscles  of  the  limbs,  especially  of  the  hind  quarters 
and  loins.  They  should  never  be  so  mistaken,  as  an  observ^ation  of  the 
several  symptoms  will  show. 

Founder. — First  one  foot  and  then  the  other  is  lifted  from  the  ground. 

Lving  down  lessens  the  pain  and  the  fever  of  the  feet. 

The  difficulty  usually  occurs  in  the  fore  feet. 

Myositis. — Both  feet  are  kept  on  the  ground  with  refusal  to  more 
either. 

The  animal  will  not  lie  down,  and  if  thrown  down  the  pain  is  increased. 

Generally  in  the  hind  quarters. 

In  many  cases  the  symptoms  are  not  so  aggravated  as  we  have  shown, 
but  the  symptoms,  whether  one  or  more  of  the  feet  are  affected,  are  the 
game,  and  often,  especially  when  repeated  attacks  have  been  suffered, 
leave  the  animal  with  seedy  toe,  pumiced  feet,  corrugated  and  other- 
wise distorted  hoofs,  and  always  more  or  less  liable  to  recurrence  of  stiff 
spells  during  life. 

What  to  do. — In  light  cases,  when  discovered  early,  clothe  the  animal 
warmly,  give  twenty  drops  of  tincture  of  aconite  every  two  hours,  pre- 
ceded by  a  gentle  laxative,  say 

No.  193.  2  to  3  Drachms  powdered  aloes, 

1  Ounce  bicarbonate  of  soda. 

Mix  in  a  pint  of  water  and  give  as  a  drench.     If  there  is  severe  pala' 
give  ounce  doses  of  laudanum  every  hour  until  an  effect  is  produced. 

As  an  application  to  the  feet  keep  them  in  large  warm  poultices  of 
linsoed  meal  and  water,  or  let  the  feet  be  placed  in  water  kept  as  hot  a.s 
the  animal  can  bear.  Put  him  in  slings  by  all  means,  if  they  can  be  pro- 
<ured.  Have  the  shoes  carefully  taken  off  as  soon  as  the  sedatives  given 
will  allow  him  to  bear  the  pain.  As  early  as  possible  the  animal  should 
l>e  bled  in  the  veins  above  the  coronets  of  the  affected  feet.  The  bleed- 
ing will  be  assisted  by  the  feet  being  placed  in  hot  water,  and  for  this 
reason,  if  for  no  other,  the  slings  should  be  used  as  quickly  as  possible- 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  4o9 

If  there  is  much  thirst  make  the  drink  slightly  sour  with  cream  of 
tartar.  If  at  the  end  of  two  days  the  fever  and  tenderness  does  not  get 
better  pare  down  the  soles  and  open  them  at  the  toe  to  let  out  anv  watery 
matter  that  may  exist,  for  fear  the  horn  may  separate  from  the  quick, 
keeping  on  the  poultices  afterwards  as  before.  When  the  inflammation 
subsides  blister  the  pasterns  and  apply  the  coiTosive  liniment  No.  189  to 
the  soles  of  the  feet,  and  keep  the  horse  standing  on  soft  clay,  or  if  in 
Summer  time  turn  him  into  a  moist,  soft  pasture. 

As  a  rule,  neither  bleeding  from  the  neck  or  active  purging  should 
be  allowed  in  founder.  There  are,  however,  cases  occasionally  in  simple 
founder,  from  overfeeding  when  tired,  or  gi^^ng  cold  water  when  warm, 
when  a  gallon  of  blood  taken  from  the  neck  and  an  active  purge  of  a 
quart  of  linseed  oil  has  acted  like  a  charm,  the  patient  recovering  almost 
immediately.  In  this  the  operator  must  be  guided  by  circumstances.  If 
the  horse  is  fat  and  full  of  blood  it  vnW  tend  to  reduce  the  inflammation 
by  drawing  the  blood  to  another  part  of  the  system.  If  so  the  blood 
should  be  allowed  to  flow  in  a  full  stream. 

Vm.    Nail  Pricking. 

The  prick  of  a  nail  in  shoeing,  or  from  ha\ing  a  nail  enter  the  foot  in 
traveling  often  leads  to  the  most  serious  consequences  if  allowed  to  pro- 
ceed, such  as  ulceration,  ending  in  quittor  and  other  disabilities.  An 
animal  being  lame  without  swelling,  inflammation  or  other  indication  of 
strain  or  bruise,  the  feet  should  be  carefully  examined,  and  the  nail  or 
other  substance  be  cut  out,  at  whatever  pains  it  may  take.  Then  dress 
the  parts  with  hot  pitch,  cover  with  tow  and  give  the  animal  rest  for  a 
few  days. 

rx.    CaAiker. 

This  is  one  of  the  diseases  that  may  arise  from  the  prick  of  a  nail  or 
bruise.     Again  it  may  occur  without  apparent  cause 

How  to  know  it. — It  is  a  disease  most  prevalent  in  heavy,  coarse-boned 
horses.  The  frog  will  become  large,  spongy,  and  covered  with  a  fun- 
sous  OTowth  of  a  cheesv  texture,  and  throwinaj  out  an  abundant  colorless, 
bad  smelling  fluid.  If  cut  away  it  will  again  quickl}'^  spring  into  growth. 
The  discharge  is  more  offensive  than  in  thrush,  and  the  disease  more  ob- 
stinate, often  resisting  treatment  for  a  long  time. 

What  to  do. — ^The  horse  must  be  kept  in  a  clean,  dry,  well- ventilated 
stable.  All  diseased  portions  of  the  hoof  must  be  carefully  pared  off  so 
far  as  the  knife  may  be  able.     The  cure  consists  in  destroying  the  fun- 


460  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

goid  granulations.  Thus  in  cutting  do  not  be  alarmed  at  the  sight  ot 
blood  from  the  canker.  Over  the  well  portion  of  the  hoof  spread  th© 
following : 

No.  194.  4  Grains  chloride  of  zinc, 

1  Ounce  flour. 
Mix,  and  apply  dry. 

Cover  the  diseased  parts  with  the  following : 

No.  195.  >i  Ounce  chloride  of  zinc, 

4  Ounces  flour. 

Tack  on  the  shoe  lightly,  pad  the  parts  within  the  shoe  well,  and  secur* 
good  pressure  by  cross  pieces  driven  firmly  within  the  shoe.  The  second 
day  after  remove  the  shoe  and  padding,  cut  away  ever3i;hing  that  appears 
to  be  in  a  sloughing  condition  ;  repeat  the  dressing  every  two  days  until 
the  parts  are  sound.  As  soundness  begins  to  appear  in  portions  of  the 
surface,  dress  these  with  the  following ;  that  is,  when  fungoid  granula- 
tions have  ceased  to  sprout ; 

No.  196.  2  Grains  chloride  of  zinc, 

1  Ounce  flour. 

As  the  canker  improves,  the  dressings  may  be  extended  to  the  third  oi 
fourth  day,  and  during  the  whole  time  of  treatment  the  horse  should  be 
liberally  fed,  and  be  exercised  gently  for  four  hours  every  day. 

X.    Sand  or  Quarter  Crack. 

These  are  of  two  kinds,  quarter  crack,  occurring  in  the  inner  quarter 
of  the  fore  foot,  and  toe  crack,  occurring  in  the  toe  of  the  hind  foot, 
both  being  cracks  and  fissures  in  the  walls  of  the  hoofs,  beginning  at  the 
coronet  and  extending  downwards. 

Causes. — Defective  quality  of  the  hoof,  causing  brittleness  ;  bad  shoe^ 
ing,  or  splitting  of  the  hoofs  from  hard  driving  on  solid  roads. 

How  to  know  it. — When  the  horse  leans  his  weight  on  the  hoof,  the 
crack  will  open  ;  when  the  foot  is  lifted  the  crack  will  close.  Sand  and 
dirt  work  into  the  parts,  causing  excessive  pain  and  lameness,  often  fever 
and  the  formation  of  matter. 

What  to  do. — In  recent  cases,  before  there  is  much  inflammation,  all 
that  will  be  necessary  to  do  will  be  to  remove  the  shoe,  cleanse  the  crack 
thoroughly,  cutting  into  it  if  there  is  dirt  or  sand  lodged  inside,  drawing 
the  hoof  together  closely  again,  by  the  means  of  two  thin  clinch  horse 
shoe  nails,  one  at  top  and  one  at  the  bottom,  and  filling  with  the  follow- 
ing composition  • 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES. 

No.  197.  Yt  Ounce  tallow, 

1  Ounce  oil  of  turpentine, 

2  Ounces  resin, 

4  Ounces  beeswax. 

Melt  together,  and  fill  the  crack  with  it  quite  warm,  and  let  it  cool. 
The  foot  should  be  protected  so  no  dirt  can  enter,  and  the  horse  turned 
to  pasture  until  a  new  hoof  is  grown,  placing  a  bar  shoe  on  the  in- 
jured hoof. 

If  the  crack  is  an  older  one,  and  there  is  inflammation,  the  edges  must 
be  pared  and  the  fissure  sufficiently  laid  bare  so  it  may  be  thoroughly 
cleansed  of  all  grit  and  dirt.  The  crack  must  then  be  thoroughly 
fomented  to  reduce  the  inflammation,  and  poulticed  until  it  assumes  a 
healthy  appearance.  The  parts  must  then  be  brought  firmly  together  by 
means  of  clinch  nails ;  covered  with  ointment.  No.  197  ;  a  bar  shoe  put 
on,  and  a  new  hoof  allowed  to  grow. 

XI.    False  Quarter. 

This  difficulty  differs  materially  from  sand  crack,  inasmuch  as  it  is  a 
deficiency  in  the  growth  of  the  horn  of  the  hoof  extending  from  the  cor- 
onet to  the  sole.     It  is  a  gap  in  the  wall  of  the  hoof  rather  than  a  crack. 

Causes. — ^It  is  produced  from  a  deficient  secretion  of  the  horn  making 
power,  owing  to  previous  quittor,  frostbite  or  other  injury  to  the  coronet. 

What  to  do. — The  principal  means  to  be  used  is  careful  shoeing  with 
a  bar  shoe.  If  the  injury  has  been  recent,  stimulate  the  coronet  with  a 
mild  blister,  or  if  there  is  a  wound,  cut  the  edges  with  a  knife  and  dress 
with  weak  carbolic  acid  water,  to  induce  a  healthy  growth  of  horn.  In 
old  cases,  all  that  can  be  done  is  to  fill  the  fissure  with  gutta  percha,  and 
protect  the  weak  hoof  with  a  bar  shoe. 

Xn.     Quittor. 

Causes. — This  fistulous  condition  of  the  fibrous  cartilage  of  the  foot-- 
inflamed,  suppurating,  penetrated  by  canals  in  various  directions,  with 
openings  upon  the  quarters  and  heels  of  the  coronet — is  caused  by  pricks 
in  shoeing,  by  threads,  by  suppurating  corns  or  bruises,  by  neglected 
bad  tread  or  over-reach,  by  neglected  thrush,  by  irritation  from  sand- 
crack  and  false-quarters,  by  bruised  sole  that  sometimes  takes  place  when 
flat-footed  horses  are  ridden  over  stony  ground  ;  in  short,  b}'^  any  injury 
which  leads  to  inflammation  of  the  cartilage  of  the  hoof  and  the  forma- 
tion of  pus  inside.  When  the  sensitive  portion  of  the  foot  is  pierced  by 
a  nail,  or  when  inflammation  has  followed  a  bruise,  suppuration  speedily 


461!  TTJirST^ATgP    5P9CK    DOCTOK. 

ioBows,  and  tiw  aocsBnbftiiD^  mattH'  presses  in  every  direction,  and, 
finffia^  w>  ivadr  oodet,  the  little  fleshj  pUtes  of  the  coffin  bone  aim 
farced  tmrn  tfce  komj  ones  of  tbe  crusty  or  it  may  burrow  between  the 
hoKvr  and  flesl^  sole,  and  tar  towards  the  Teiy  ccntnl  portion  of  the 
foot.  F^ies  sod  araases  are  then  made  in  everj-  Erection ;  but  the  outlet 
is  •enenDy  by  abbess  of  the  coronet,  or  tiiat  pcHlkm  of  the  hairy  skin 
dova  noB  the  hoof . 


Wtm  ti  ioMW  JL — A  reeeadt  voond  or  ordiBaiy  aharpg^s  of  the  coronet 
ty  be  ari^tir-^  by  the  Bae^Mnenced  for  qaittor,  especially  if  any  liune- 
Iteadsit;  b^  a  fittle  examinatifm  viQ  readily  Asdoee  the  tme 
of  the  case.  Fran  a  simple  womd,  there  is  not  apt  to  be  a  fetid 
of  8o  ■nnhuleauie  a  chancter  as  that  which  oones  frcMn  the 
of  the  qaittor,  and  the  parts  mnst;  be  mare  or  less  sircAea,  and 
to  pcesnre,  whereas,  in  qmtfeor,  the  soiroinifii^  tiwoe  is  hard, 
it  has  taken  on  a  pemBariy  nnhfaMiy  action,  and  ^nbing  with 
the  fleziile  probe,  or  hsmfit^  wiU  ^aoofvcr  the  presence  of  a  sinns  or  of 
aiHSK,  of  Bore  or  leas  depA.  There  s  afanost  ahrays  lanM»M'.ws  which 
is  aMBetnes  caceessive,  and  of  a  haltiag  fharaftrr ;  tibe  e«onet  is  some- 
swdled  lato  a  nd^  aronndthe  top  of  the  hoof,  and  about  the 
of  which  one  or  nnne  snnll  utifiues  are  f onnd,  that  dashxrge  in 
a  affcaelfe  natter — iiian  liaii  ■  rather  thin  and  wateiy, 
and  having  a  enrdled  appeacBiee.  The  probe,  as  we  hare 
sad,  w3l  dbdose  nnses,  and  Aese  genenlly  tend  downwud  into  the 
foot.  The  ifaaaiiij  of  Matter  iliiiihii^i  il  b  often  Terj  i  anH  at  fast,  so 
■meh  so  as  to  be  ont  <rf  all  proportion  to  Ae  Tcxy  serioas  natore  of  the 
troaUe,  and  Ae  «lifc  nll^  attrnding  a  care.  Even  whea  the  opemaig  or 
win  searechr  ndait  the  rmnli  faayie,  there  any  be  amch  matter, 
may  have  pfrtrrtrd  aader  Ae  rartilagea  and  ligjmiada,  and  to 
Ae  I  iiga  jiiinl  itself.  Wherever  it  has  gone,  it  has  f oraMd  fistuhms 
as  that  are  igfc  all  toheaL  Tbaeisasaaily 
as  w«Il  as  mach  teadeneas  of  Ak  foot. 


afeepistDdBeover,if  poadble,tkecaBse;  and  if 

toamke  every  ^Eortia  joarpoao'  to  mnare  it 

tte  hoof,  aad  snch  cseecore 

to  have  Ae  foot  haadled  ese^ 

la  this  case,  a^ply  a  good  softeaini^  aad  eooiiBg 

keep  him  as  atSI  as  poaribie— renewing  the  ponltice  aa 

to  grow  diy  and  hot — aatil  tiv  inflaanmtBoa  is  some- 

ewxy  aail  if  it  eaa  be  doae.    If  the  Indble  has  beea 
hj  a  aaO.  aad  the  aal  eaa  be  removed,  these  is  already 


ISE   HOBSE.    ITS   DISKAaDI.  4^ 

of  a  dependent  opening  made  by  which  the  accnmulated  pus  mav  escape^ 
and  this  opening  mav  be  enlarged  by  farther  paring  awav  the  hoof,  so  as 
to  reach  the  softer  part,  that  can  be  more  readily  cut  with  a  keen  knife. 

A  small  probe,  or  bougie,  should  be  inserted  from  above,  and  worked 
to  the  lowest  depth  of  the  sinus.  If  this  extends  far  towards  the  base  of 
the  foot,  the  prime  object  should  be  to  get  an  opening  from  below  to 
meet  it,  no  matter  what  may  have  been  the  cause — whether  x  prick,  x 
bruise,  or  irritation  caused  by  other  foot  diseases.  This  dqpendeBt  <^>eii- 
ing  established  and  kept  open,  the  pus  will  in  tim'e  be  eracaated,  and  the 
foot  will  return  to  its  healthy  state,  unless  the  joints  have  heen.  attacked, 
in  which  case  a  cure  is  scarcely  to  be  hoped  for. 

If  the  disease  is  of  long  standing,  the  internal  surface  of  the  sinus  or 
sinuses  has  become  more  or  less  callous,  and  a  stimulatii^  lotion  must  be 
injected  with  a  syringe  every  day.  composed  of  one  draclim  chloride  of 
zinc  to  one  pint  of  water — increasing  the  chloride  gradoallv  to  two 
drachms. 

This  treatment  will  suffice.  The  main  trouble,  however,  is  to  make  the 
dependent  outlet.  In  case  this  c-annot  be  done,  owing  to  the  shallowness 
of  the  sinuses  from  above,  reduce  the  inflammation  by  poulticinc:,  as  pre- 
viously directed,  ^nd  then  inject  this  somewhat  caustic  solution  into  each 
channel  or  pipe : 

Ko.  ISe.  5  Grains  bidik>nde  of  memiTT, 

1  OiUM«  spirits  ol  wise. 
30  Drope  wonatie  add. 

Do  this  three  times  the  first  day.  twice  the  seocMad  day,  and  once  a  dav 
subsequently.  When  the  discharge  has  ceased,  stop  the  injection,  and 
simply  keep   clean  by  the  use  of    warm  soap  suds,   used  as  necessary 

K  it  is  found  impracticable  to  inject  this  solution  into  the  openings, 
adopt  this  instead:  Insert,  by  means  of  a  wet  probe,  a  mixture  of 
corrosive  sublimate  and  flour  (three  p»arts  of  flour  to  one  of  corrosive 
sublimate ) .  Persevere  until  you  know  that  every  part  of  the  sinuses  has 
felt  the  caustic.  In  two  or  three  days  thereafter  they  will  b^:ia  to  dis- 
charge a  white,  curd-like  matter.  It  may  be  necessary  to  repeat  this, 
but  if  thoroughly  done,  and  there  is  no  affection  of  the  joints,  a  cure  may 
be  expected. 

Sometimes  the  trouble  rises  from  a  gravel  having  insinuated  itself 
between  the  shoe  and  the  sole,  and  creating  a  bruise  or  com.  This  may 
be  ascertained  by  removing  the  shoe  and  seeking  for  a  spot  unnatural  in 
appearance,  hot,  and  tender  on  the  sole.  If  found,  it  ought  to  be  pared 
down  so  as  to  reach  the  more  sensitive  part  of  the  foot,  and,  if  possible. 
t*>  discover  and  liberate  matter. 


^g4  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

In  makino-  examinations  preliminary  to  treatment,  the  greatest  ca** 
should  ahvays  1^  exercised,  as  the  treatment,  to  be  successful,  must  be 
specially  adapted  to  the  exigencies  of  the  case.  It  sometimes  happens 
that  the  trouble  is  critical,  and  that  only  an  experienced  practitioner  ought 
to  be  intrusted  with  it.  When  the  probe  indicates  that  the  direction  of 
the  sinuses  is  backward,  the  chances  are  in  favor  of  recovery ;  but  if  it 
shows  the  direction  to  be  forward,  the  important  and  complicated  parts 
of  the  foot  are  in  danger,  and  the  result  of  even  the  best  treatment  is 
doubtful. 

In  anv  event,  a  complete  cure  requires  much  time,  and  a  more  than 
ordinarv  exercise  of  patience  and  care. 

If  the  patient,  in  moving  about,  strikes  the  swollen  parts  above  the 
fore-foot  with  the  toe  of  the  hind-foot,  or  if  he  hurts  it  in  lying  down, 
some  steps  ought  to  be  taken  to  obviate  these  additional  causes  of  irrita- 
tion and  pain. 

If  the  general  health  of  the  animal  is  scrupuously  attended  to,  it  will 
materially  assist  in  the  management  of  the  local  disorder. 

XTTT.   Toe  Crack. 

A  hoof  with  crack  in  the  toe  should  be  treated  precisely  as  though  the 
difficulty  occurred  in  another  portion  of  the  wall  of  the  hoof.  The  diffi- 
culty in  all  cracks  of  the  hoof,  is  the  difficulty  in  healing,  for  the  reason 
that  when  the  animal  steps,  especially  on  uneven  ground,  the  walls  are 
strained  apart.  In  sand-cracks,  the  principal  care  must  be  to  extirpate 
the  grit  and  dirt,  whatever  the  amount  of  paring  and  cutting  it  may  take. 
If  granulations  appear,  they  must  be  cut  out.  Then  wash  with  a  solution 
of  chloride  of  zinc,  made  as  follows : 

No.  199.  1  Grain  chloride  of  zinc, 

1  Ounce  of  water. 

Whatever  the  quantity  made,  let  it  be  in  this  proportion.  Cleanse  tho 
whole  interior  of  the  crack  fully.  In  cutting  away  the  hoof,  it  should 
present  an  oval  shape  when  finished,  the  points  at  top  and  bottom. 

Having  cleansed  the  inner  portions,  if  the  crack  does  not  extend  con> 
pletely  from  the  coronet  to  the  toe,  with  a  firing  iron,  just  hot  enough  to 
cause  the  horn  to  smoke,  the  iron  not  at  a  red,  but  at  a  black  heat,  soften 
the  crust  and  continue  the  cutting  until  the  diseased  portion  is  all  ex- 
posed. If  granulations  (proud  flesh)  show,  cut  it  out  and  let  the  parts 
bleed.  Then  continue  the  application  of  the  chloride  of  zinc  lotion  three 
times  a  day  until  a  healthy  reaction  is  produced.  The  crack  may  then 
be  stopped  with  pitch  or  tar  and  tow,  or  gutta  percha ;     a  bar  shoe  put 


THE    HORSE,    ITS   DISEASES.  465 

on  with  two  clips  in  front  to  hold  the  parts  together,  and  the  animal  kept 
in  a  clean,  soft  pasture  until  a  new  hoof  is  grown.  An  examination  of  the 
pails  being  made  from  time  to  time  to  see  that  no  grit  or  foreign  sub- 
stance has  entered  to  increase  the  difficulty. 

Sand-cracks,  quarter-cracks,  and  false-quarters,  will  require  time  to 
«usure  full  recovery,  and  the  time  so  consumed  should  not  be  grudged. 

XIV.    Pumice  Foot. 

Pumice  foot,  the  effect  of  chronic  laminitis,  is  an  excessive  growth 
of  soft,  spongy  horn  in  place  of  the  healthy  hoof,  forming  rings  running 
together  at  the  toe,  causing  a  bulging  at  that  point  and  a  depression 
above  This  growth  in  front  of  the  laminae  of  the  toe  separates  the 
coffin  bone  from  the  wall  of  the  hoof,  and  allows  the  bone  to  press  upon 
the  sole  and  even  to  pierce  through  it.  Thus  the  sole  becomes  convex 
instead  of  concave,  the  animal  becoming  groggy,  and  in  time  quite  crip- 
pled. This  state  is  almost  entirely  confined  to  animals  with  flat  feet  and 
weak  limbs,  weak  and  brittle  crusts  to  the  feet,  with  large,  prominent  frogs. 

What  to  do. — In  bad  cases  there  can  be  no  cure.  Much  may  be  done 
to  alle\date  distress,  and  enable  the  horse  to  do  slow  work,  especially  on 
the  farm.  Put  on  a  thick,  broad  webbed  bar  shoe,  a  dished  shoe  having 
the  web  hollowed  out,  or  beveled  toward  the  inner  side  on  the  upper  sur- 
face and  thinned  down  from  the  toe  to  the  heel.  It  is  better  that  the 
shoe  be  also  assisted  with  a  bearing  of  leather  next  the  sole. 

The  hoof  should  be  smeared  daily  with  equal  parts  of  glycerine  and 
tar.  If  heated  in  slightly  so  much  the  better.  The  sole  should  also 
have  the  same  application.  Apply  a  mild  blister  to  the  coronet  from 
time  to  time  to  stimulate  action,  and  turn  the  horse  into  a  soft,  damp 
pasture.  Thus  in  time  a  fairly  smooth  hoof  may  be  grown,  but  it  can 
never  be  expected  to  be  entirely  sound. 

XV.    Seedy  Toe. 

The  wall  of  the  foot  is  composed  of  two  layers,  the  outer  one  darker, 
harder  and  thinner  than  the  inside  one  ;  the  inner  layer  thicker,  softer 
and  lighter  in  color  than  the  outer.  The  outside  layer  is  secreted  by  the 
coronet,  the  inner  one  from  the  sensitive  laminae.  In  health  these  are 
intimately  united,  forming  the  thick,  tough,  elastic  hoof,  capable  of 
bearing  the  shocks  of  the  body  in  traveling. 

Causes.' — If  from  any  cause,  inherent  weakness,  undue  shocks,  disin- 
tegi-ating  the  laminae,  or  other  cause,  the  separation  begins  at  the  toe, 
just  as  in  the  human  nail  the  separation  begins  at  the  margin — it  produ- 
ces seedy  toe. 


466  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 

How  to  know  it. — If  n  seedy  toe  be  struck  with  a  hammer  it  will  giTis 
a  hollow  sound,  showing  that  it  is  disunited.  Remove  the  shoe  and  a 
separation  will  be  found  between  the  two  coats  of  the  hoof. 

What  to  do. — Find  the  extent  of  the  separation  with  a  thin  probe.  Cut 
away  sucli  portiojis  of  the  crust  as  may  be  disunited,  and  to  where  there 
is  firm  adhesion  of  the  parts.  If  there  is  a  powdery  substance  clean  it 
out.  Keep  the  cavity  tilled  with  warm  tar,  properly  held  in  place,  and 
shoe  so  as  to  give  a  uniform  bearing,  and  support  the  weak  part  with  a 
clip  if  necessary.  This  dressing  must  be  repeated  from  time  to  time  as 
required,  until  the  cavity  is  entirely  filled  with  a  new  and  healthy  gi'owth. 

XVI.    Ossified  Cartilages. 

Ossification  of  the  cartilages  is  sometimes  called  false  ring-bone.  It  is 
a  disease  to  which  many  horses  are  sometimes  subject,  and  often  exists 
in  connection  with  ring-bone  and  side-bones. 

Causes. — Jarring,  by  hard  driving  over  rough  roads,  or  pounding  on 
hard  pavements,  or  any  of  the  causes  producing  ring-bone  or  inflammation 
of  the  parts. 

How  to  know  it. — ^When  the  difllciilty  is  new,  there  may  be  fever  in  the 
parts.  Later  there  will  be  more  or  less  enlargement  of  the  back  of  the 
coronet  and  the  heel,  the  parts  feeling  hard,  irregular  or  lumpy.  The 
horse  is  not  always  lame,  but  if  driven  over  hard  roads,  the  horse  will 
show  soreness  and  travel  short  after  cooling  oif. 

Wliat  to  do. — In  old  standing  cases,  but  little  can  be  done ;  rubbmg 
the  parts  with  oleate  of  mercury  will  reduce  so  much  as  is  not  already 
bony  substance.  In  connection  with  this  put  in  a  seton  under  the  af- 
fected part.  In  more  recent  cases,  if  there  is  heat,  bleeding  from  the 
foot  will  give  relief.  Then  apply  cloths  dipped  in  cold  water  to  every 
quart  of  which  has  been  added  a  half  pint  of  tincture  of  arnica.  The  in- 
flammation being  reduced,  apply  repeated  dressings  of  biniodide  of 
mercury.  This  will  promote  absorption,  but  a  complete  cure  may  not 
be  expected. 

XVn.    Side  Bones. 

Side-bones  are  ossifications  from  the  heels  of  the  coflSn-bone  into  the 
lateral  cartilages.     In  heavy  horses,  side-bones  may  occur  in  connection 
with  ring-bones.     In  fact,  ring-bone  has  its  seat  in  the  os  suffraginis,  and 
side-bone  in  the  parts  about ;  the   first  being  in   the  pastern  ;  the  latte. 
Vower,  or  about  the  coffin-bone. 


THE   HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  467 

How  to  know  it. — The  enlargement  is  just  above  the  coronet  and  im- 
mediately below,  when  ring-bone  exists.  Side-bone  may  be  found  at  the 
back  and  lateral  parts  of  the  coronet.  There  will  be  more  or  less  soi-e- 
ness  and  lameness,  but  after  ossification  bony  formation  of  the  parts  haa 
been  completed,  the  joint  is  either  stiff  or  nearly  so. 

What  to  do. — The  treatment  should  be  precisely  identical  with  that 
prescribed  for  ring-bone. 

XVm.   Incised  and  Punctured  Wounds  of  the  Sole. 

Incised  wounds  are  those  made  with  a  sharp  instrument ;  punctured 
ones  are  those  made  with  a  blunt  one,  as  a  nail.  If  the  cut  be  a  clean 
one,  all  that  will  be  necessary  to  do  will  be  to  pare  away  the  sides  to  be 
sure  that  no  foreign  substance  is  lodged  there  ;  wash  out  with  tincture  of 
aloes  and  myrrh,  and  keep  the  wound  closed  with  tar  and  tow,  and  give 
rest  until  healed. 

If  the  diflficulty  be  from  a  nail,  care  must  be  taken  that  it  is  all  ex- 
tracted. This  must  be  done  at  whatever  cost  of  cutting.  Then  dress  as 
prescribed  Alt  tilt  incised  wound.  In  old  cases,  where  suppuration  has 
taken  nlt06f  Hxd  matter  must  be  let  out  by  enlarging  the  orifice.  Then 
the  ItniO  meant  iOf  l^^ire  may  be  adopted  as  in  quitter  or  other  rnatm- 

30 


CHAPTER  XV. 


WOUNDS  AND  INJTJIIIES  AND  THEIB  BESULT8. 


1.  STRAINS    AND   SPRAINS. H.  OVER-RKACH.  III.  BRUSHING,   OR   SPKKDT    OCT.- 

BROKIN  KNBBS. V.  CAPPKD   BLBOW. VI.  FROST  BITE. VII,  BURNS  AND  SCAXDS. 

VIII.  RUPTURE. IX.   CHOKIKG. X.  WOUNDS    FENBTRATING  TH«  ABDOMINAL 

CAVITY. XI.  CONTUSED  WOUNDS. XII.  LACERATED  WOUND6. XIU.  PUNCTURE© 

WOUNDS. XIV.  BROKEN  HOCK. XV.   DISLOCATIONS. XVI.  VARIOUS  FRACTURES. 

Xrn.  VARIOUS  distortions. XVIII.   diseases   OF  THE   EAR. 


I.    Strains  and  Sprains. 


In  the  human  subject,  a  strain  is  simply  a  wrench,  by  which  a  fiber,  a 
ligament  or  tendon  is  stretched  beyond  its  proper  capacity,  and  followed 
by  pain,  lameness,  and  inflammation  of  the  parts. 

A  sprain  is  an  incomplete  luxation  (dislocation)  in  connection  with 
stretching,  with  more  or  less  laceration  of  the  ligaments  of  a  joint,  and 
even  rupture  of  the  tendon.  In  veterinary  practice  the  word  strain  is 
used.  It  is  far  more  difficult  to  handle  than  in  man,  and  for  the  reason 
that  it  is  often  difficult  to  prevent  an  animal  from  using  the  parts. 

Replacement  of  the  parts  as  near  as  may  be,  and  rest,  are  the  surest 
means  of  cure.  Therefore  in  every  case  the  intelligent  horseman  wjll 
use  the  best  means  to  ensure  this  ;  consequently  it  will  be  simply  neces- 
sary to  lay  down  certain  rules  of  guidance  to  be  followed. 

Strain  of  a  joint. — —In  a  joint  that  is  easily  flexed,  (moved  back  and 
forth)  the  parts  should  be  held  firmly  by  means  of  a  starch  bandage,  if 
there  has  been  sufficient  stretching  to  produce  loss  of  continuity. 

How  to  make  a  starch  bandage. — Provide  a  long  strip  of  strong  un- 
bleached muslin,  and  of  a  width  proportioned  to  the  part  injured.  Soak 
this  in  strong  starch,  and  bind  on  while  wet,  making  a  half  turn  of  th« 
cloth  in  passing  about  the  limb,  so  it  will  form  a  figure  eight.     Allow 

468 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  46^ 

this  to  dry  without  movement  and  it  will  hold  the  parts  firm.  If  the  strain 
occurs  in  the  fetlock,  hock,  or  knee,  this  will  be  indicated.  For  a  lighter 
strain,  a  simple  cold  water  bandage  will  suffice. 

In  all  strains,  rest  must  be  given,  the  diet  should  be  light  but  whole- 
some, and  if  the  bowels  become  costive,  they  must  be  stimulated  to  action 
by  alterative  medicines.  Strains  of  the  ligaments  or  muscles  must  be 
met  with  cold  water  bandages.  In  all  strains,  however,  dependence  in 
the  early  stage  must  be  upon  arnica,  equal  parts  of  the  tincture  and  rain 
water.  Bathe  the  parts  thoroughly  and  carefully  two  or  three  times  a 
day,  and  then  apply  the  cold  water  bandage,  keeping  it  wet. 

If  the  strain  is  in  the  shoulder  or  loin,  lay  a  wet  blanket  over  the  part 
affected,  and  cover  with  a  dry  one,  changing  as  often  as  may  be  neces- 
sary. Sponge  the  affected  parts  with  the  diluted  tincture  of  arnica,  as 
before  recommended. 

This,  with  rest,  a  light  diet,  keeping  the  bowels  regular,  and  an  ounce 
of  cream  of  tartar  to  the  bucket  of  water,  ought  to  subdue  any  curable 
«ase  of  strain. 

H.    Over-reach. 

CausSS- — A  tired  horse,  especially  when  going  at  a  fast  pace,  sometimes 
fails  to  lift  the  fore  feet  quick  enough.  The  result  is  the  inner  part  of 
the  hind  foot  strikes  the  outer  side  of  the  coronet  of  the  fore  foot,  or 
higher,  often  producing  a  severely  lacerated  or  contused  wound. 

What  to  do. — The  only  remedy  is  to  clip  the  torn  portions  away,  and 
keep  the  parts  washed  with  chloride  of  zinc,  (No.  195),  first  cleansing  the 
l)aits  with  water  if  at  all  dirty.  The  healing  must  take  place  through 
the  sloughing  of  the  torn  parts,  and  by  granulation.  If  slight,  tincture 
of  arnica  will  be  sufficient  as  a  lotion.  Treads  from  calking  may  receive 
the  same  general  treatment. 

m.    Brushing,  or  Speedy  Cut. 

This  is  a  bruise,  abrasion  of  the  skin,  or  contused  wound,  produced  by 
the  shoe  of  one  foot  striking  the  opposite  fetlock  ankle,  or  even  the  knee. 
It  is  more  owing  to  weakness  than  other  causes,  though  a  horse  striking 
once  is  more  liable  to  the  same  injury  thereafter.  It  is  really  the  foot 
that  is  resting  on  the  ground  that  causes  the  hurt,  from  its  being  put 
down  out  of  the  proper  line. 

What  to  do. — For  horses  of  slow  or  moderate  driving,  the  difficulty  is 
confined  to  striking  the  ankle  and  below.  The  usual  remedy  is  to  cause 
the  horse  to  set  his  foot  in  proper  line  by  raising  that  side  of  the  shoe, 
thus  throwing  the  inside  of  the  ankle  slightly  up.     Any  common  sensf 


470  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

blacksmith  should  know  how  to  do  it.  For  fast  horses,  the  limbs  must 
be  further  protected  by  means  of  pads  and  other  appliances  to  be  found 
at  all  saddlery  establishments. 

IV.    Broken  Knees. 

This  is  a  common  disability  of  stumbling  horses,  and  of  saddle  horsea 
kept  for  riding,  leaping,  or  hunting.  A  horse  with  the  scars  of  broken 
knees  should  never  be  used  as  a  saddle  horse,  unless  it  cau  be  clearly 
shown  that  the  hurt  was  done  accidentally  in  leaping  upon  a  foul  landing 
place. 

What  to  do. — The  first  thing  to  do  is  to  find  the  extent  of  the  injury. 
It  may  be  that  it  is  only  a  slight  bruise  with  or  without  abrasion  of  the 
skin.  In  this  case,  using  the  tincture  of  arnica  two  or  three  times  a  day, 
and  a  cold  water  bandage,  if  there  is  heat,  should  ensure  recovery. 

Sometimes,  however,  there  is  an  ugly,  lacerated  wound  filled  with  dirt 
and  gravel.  In  this  case  the  parts  must  be  well  washed  by  repeatedly 
filling  a  large  sponge  with  clean,  warm  water,  and  squeezing  it  dry  against 
the  limb  above  the  hurt.  Never,  under  any  circumstances,  put  it  against 
the  hurt.  It  only  soils  the  sponge  and  presses  the  particles  of  dirt 
farther  into  the  wound.  If  there  is  a  sac  below  the  cut  containing  dirt 
it  must  be  carefully  probed,  and  opened  from  the  bottom  with  a  keen, 
sharp  pointed  knife.  The  object  is  that  no  grit  may  remain  in  the  wound 
to  prevent  its  healing.  A  seton  should  be  tied  so  the  sac  may  be  emptied 
of  its  contents  in  the  process  of  suppuration.  If  the  granulations  become 
soft  and  flabby,  showing  proud  flesh,  they  must  be  touched  with  nitrate  of 
silver.  In  three  days  after  the  establishment  of  suppuration  the  seton 
may  be  withdrawn.  The  wounded  parts  must  be  kept  wet  with  cold 
arnica  water,  the  proper  proportions  being  one  ounce  tincture  of  arnica 
to  each  pint  of  water  used. 

Copious  suppuration  having  been  fairly  established,  discontinue  the  use 
of  the  arnica,  and  use  instead  the  lotion  made  by  dissolving  in  each 
ounce  of  water  used  a  grain  of  chloride  of  zinc.  Use  no  bandages. 
Cleanliness  of  the  parts  is  necessary.  These  means  should  carr}'^  the 
knee  to  a  favorable  issue. 

Sometimes,  however,  the  injury  is  so  severe  that  the  ligaments  :nid 
even  the  joint  is  injured.  It  then  becomes  a  most  serious  case.  In  this 
event  the  animal  must  be  put  into  slings,  the  joint  brought  together,  after 
being  thorougly  cleansed  as  before  stated,  the  parts  must  be  bandaged 
and  astringent  washes  used  to  promote  the  uniting  of  the  parts,  while  the 
same  general  treatment  is  pursued  with  the  laceration  as  advised  before. 
In  case  the  injury  be  so  severe  as  to  involve  the  joint,  if  a  veterinary 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  47 1 

sargeon  cannot  be  had  with  proper  appliances  for  caring  for  the  horse  he 
had  better  be  killed  at  once. 

Besides  injury  to  the  knee  by  falling,  it  is  sometimes  injured  by  having 
some  sharp  substance  driven  forcibly  into  the  ligaments  or  even  between 
the  joints.  These  should  be  carefully  looked  for  and  removed,  since  old 
running  sores,  fistulas  and  other  disabilities  may  result,  completely  des- 
troying the  usefulness  of  the  animal.  Joints  other  than  the  knee  may  be 
similarly  injured.  If  so,  the  general  treatment  should  be  the  same. 
First  reduce  the  inflammation,  and  then  use  means  for  cure.  In  ordinary 
cases,  as  a  healing  agent,  in  wounds,  either  lacerated  or  contused,  we 
have  never  found  anything  better  for  promoting  healthy  granulation  or 
**©aling  of  the  parts  than  a  free  use  of  tincture  of  aloes  and  myrrh. 

V    Capped  Elbow. 

Causes. — This  tumor  at  the  back  point  of  the  elbow  is  generally  caused 
by  a  bruise  inflicted  by  the  calkings  of  the  shoe  while  the  horse  has  slept 
with  his  legs  doubled  up  under  him.  Inflammation  of  the  sub-cellular 
tissue  is  established,  and  that  condition  sets  in  which  gives  rise  to  enlarge- 
ments by  increased  deposit  near  the  part.  The  tumor  is  circumscribed, 
being  confined  to  the  elbow,  but  it  sometimes  grows  to  an  enormous  size, 
and  hangs  loosely  from  the  back  point  of  the  elbow,  and  interferes  with 
its  action. 

It  may  be  produced  also  by  long  heels,  as  well  as  calkins,  by  striking 
with  the  shod  hind  foot,  by  a  blow,  and  by  lying  on  uneven  surfaces. 

How  to  know  it. — A  slight  swelling  of  the  point  of  the  elbow  is  first 
perceived,  and  unless  ^he  cause  is  removed  this  will  gradually  develop 
into  a  large-sized  tumor.  When  of  any  considerable  size,  it  will  contain 
serum,  or  a  watery  matter,  and  has  a  fluctuating  feeling  to  the  fingers. 
This  fluid  is  contained  in  tough,  fibrous  walls,  and  may  remain  for  a  long 
time,  or  it  may  at  last  be  absorbed,  and  leave  a  hard  tumor.  At  this 
stage  there  will  of  course  be  no  fluctuation. 

What  to  do. — If  discovered  in  its  early  stage,  and  serum  is  evidently 
present,  let  it  out  by  opening  the  sac  at  the  lower  edge  with  a  keen  knife, 
or  a  thumb  lancet.  Press  upon  it  so  as  thoroughly  to  remove  the  fluid.* 
Then,  with  a  small  rubber  syringe,  inject  a  mixture  of  equal  parts  of 
pyroligneous  acid  and  water.  Next,  moisten  it  externally,  morning  and 
night,  with  the  camphorated  corrosive  sublimate.  No.  2,  which  will  have 
the  better  effect  if  dried  in  at  once  with  a  hot  iron  held  near.  Before 
the  horse  is  allowed  to  lie  down  again,  make  a  soft  pad,  covered  with 
chamois  skin,  without  a  seam  on  the  outer  side,  of  such  thickness  as  to 
keep  the  shoe  from  striking  the  elbow  when  the  leg  is  doubled  under  him. 


472  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK   DOCTOR. 

and  tie  it  securely  round  the  pastern.  This  should  be  on  every  night  j 
and  even  after  cure  is  effected  it  will  be  necessary  for  the  animal  to  wear 
this  pad,  to  prevent  recurrence  of  the  bruise,  or  else  to  have  the  shoe 
shortened.     The  pad  must  be  at  least  two  and  a  half  inches  thick. 

If  it  is  in  its  new  state  (a  simple  swelling  without  matter),  it  can  be 
assuaged  by  using  frequently,  at  moderate  intervals,  some  cooling  lotion. 

If  large,  watery,  somewhat  pendant,  and  unsightly,  have  an  exper- 
ienced surgeon  remove  it  entirely;  and  then  dress  as  an  ordinary  wound. 

If,  after  it  has  been  opened,  and  the  fluid  pressed  out,  it  heals  with 
hard  substance  left  behind,  rub  frequently  with  acetate  of  mercury 
until  the  natural  state  is  restored. 

If  treatment  is  undertaken  only  when  there  is  no  watery  matter,  no 
fluctuation,  remove  it  absolutely  by  making  a  vertical  slit,  of  sufficient 
length,  and  dissect  the  lump  ;  after  which  treat  the  wound  with  simple 
cerate,  or  any  healing  ointment. 

Care  must  always  be  taken  to  guard  against  ha\'ing  the  elbow  injured 
again  while  treatment  is  going  on,  and  to  prevent  rebruising  the  part 
after  cure  is  effected. 

If  there  is  constipation  or  otherwise  feverish  tendency  in  the  animal, 
the  cure  of  tumors  or  other  local  troubles  will  always  be  more  difficult 
unless  this  tendency  is  removed  by  suitable  purgatives  and  carefully  reg- 
elated diet. 

VI.    Frost  Bite. 

Injury  fhfim  the  effects  of  frost  is  more  common  in  the  North  and 
West  than  is  generally  supposed,  and  in  many  cases  rheumatism,  founder 
and  other  "stiff  complaints"  may  undoubtedly  be  attributed  to  this  as  the 
predisposing  ca'ise. 

Causes. — Long  exposure  to  cold,  either  standing  in  the  open  air  or 
confined  in  cold  siables  ;  standing  in  half  melted  snow  and  slush  ;  keep- 
ing young  animals  in  exposed  yards,  where  they  cannot  take  exercise  and 
with  insufficient  food. 

How  to  know  it. — T^h*  skin  of  the  injured  parts  in  light  cases,  turns 
purple,  inflames,  cracks  and  exudes  a  bloody  serum ;  or  if  severe,  the 
skin  and  tissues  beneath  lose  color,  and  become  dead  and  eventually 
shrivel.  The  skin,  particularly  of  the  heel,  will  crack,  often  from  one 
side  to  the  other,  refusing  to  heal. 

What  to  do- — If  the  limbs  are  simply  chilled,  friction  will  be  all  that 
is  necessary.  If  actually  frozen,  the  animal  should  be  warmly  clothed 
and  the  frozen  parts  be  rubbed  with  snow  until  circulation  is  partly  re- 
stored.    Then  put  the  parts  in  cold  water  and  continue  rubbing  until 


THE   HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  473 

warmth  and  circulation  are  entirely  restored.     Then  dry  thoroughly  with 
cloths  and  hard  rubbing. 

If  the  frosting  has  been  neglected  and  raw  sores  make  their  appear- 
ance, prepare  the  following : 

No.  200.  2  Drachms  belladonna, 

1  Ounce  petroleum, 
1  Ounce  lard. 

Rub  the  whole  thoroughly  together,  and  apply  twice  a  day  to  the  raw 
or  ulcerated  places.  If  this  does  not  promote  recovery,  and  decided  ul- 
cers occur,  add  to  the  above  prescription  2  ounces  red  oxide  of  mercury. 
Rub  all  well  together  and  apply  once  a  day  to  the  ulcerous  parts. 

VH.    Burns  and  Scalds. 

Burns  and  scalds  seldom  occur  in  horses  kept  on  the  farm  or  employed 
on  the  road.  They  are,  however,  of  frequent  occurrence  when  horses 
are  employed  about  mills  or  factories  where  steam  is  used ;  or  in  iron 
founderies  and  in  cities. 

What  to  do. — One  of  the  best  and  most  easily  obtained  applications, 
for  a  fresh  burn  or  scald,  is  to  dredge  bicarbonate  of  soda,  common 
baking  soda,  thickly  on  the  part,  or  moisten  with  water  into  a  thick  paste 
and  bind  it  or  lay  it  over  the  injury.  For  slight  burns,  which  sometimes 
cover  a  large  surface,  there  is  nothing  better  than  several  coats  of  thick 
white  lead  paint  laid  on  with  a  brush;  cover  the  whole  with  cotton  and 
bind  on  close, 

Strong  alum  water  is  also  an  excellent  remedy  for  fresh  burns  and 
scalds,  the  proportions  being  2  ounces  of  powdered  alum  to  each  pint  of 
rain-water.  Keep  the  parts  well  soaked  with  it,  and  wet  cloths  saturated 
with  the  same  constantly  over  the  surface. 

Sometimes  indolent  sores  follow  burns  and  scalds.  If  so,  the  ulcers 
should  be  well  and  carefully  washed  with  tar  water,  and  the  following 
mixture  dusted  over  the  parts  : 

No.  201.  1  Ounce  oxide  of  zinc, 

2  Ounces  powdered  starch. 

Mix  intimately  and  dredge  on  thickly  to  form  a  crust.  Wherever  th« 
moisture  appears  through,  keep  adding  the  mixture  until  the  crust  be- 
comes permanent  and  fixed. 

Vm.     Bupture. 

Rupture  or  burst  (Hernia)    is  the  displacement  of  an  internal  organ 


474  ILLUSTRATED   STOCK   DOCTOR. 

through  an  opening,  either  natural  or  otherwise.  The  rupture  most  com 
nx)nly  seen  is  of  the  bowels  and  omentum.  The  omentum  is  thti 
membranous  covering  of  the  bowels  or  the  caul.  The  bowels  may  pass 
through  the  caul  by  rupture,  or  the  bowels  and  involved  caul  may,  it  is 
possible,  pass  through  the  mesentary,  the  membrane  retaining  the  intes- 
tines in  their  proper  position. 

If  the  rupture  is  into  the  chest,  it  is  called  diaphramatic,  and  may 
occur  from  a  violent  shock,  as  in  leaping, or  in  'bucking, 'as  jumping  stiff- 
lesrjred  is  called.  In  bad  cases  death  is  sudden  from  suffocation.  In 
the  slight  forms  there  may  only  be  difficulty  of  breathing,  with  lifting  of 
the  flanks,  as  observed  in  heaves.  The  only  remedial  means  to  be  used 
are  to  give  anodynes  and  rest.  Thus  slight  cases  may  at  length  take  on 
the  chronic  form,  but  will  never  be  cured. 

Hernia  of  the  mesentary  and  omentum  is  difficult  to  know,  and  no 
remedy  can  avail,  except  rest,  with  anodynes  if  there  is  pain. 

Naval  rupture,  and  that  through  the  scrotum,  is  most  common.  The 
only  means  of  cure  in  naval  rupture  is  where  pressure  can  be  had  by 
means  of  a  bandage  or  truss  and  taken  in  the  earlier  stages.  The  intestine 
must  first  be  carefully  pressed  back  and  pressure  made  over  the  parts  by 
means  of  a  soft  pad,  securely  fastened,  and  to  be  worn  until  the  orifice  is 
closed  or  at  least  permanently  contracted.  Of  course  an  animal  vnth 
l-upture  of  any  part  is  not  capable  of  violent  exertion. 

Rupture  of  the  scrotum  is  also  common  in  males.  In  cases  of  colic  in 
entire  animals,  an  examination  should  be  made  for  scrotal  rupture,  since 
there  may  be  colickey  symptoms.  There  may  be  a  swelling  of  the  bag 
containing  the  testicle,  the  contents  being  movable,  and  disappearing  up- 
on pressure.  In  the  smaller  animals,  castration  may  be  employed,  the 
gut  returned  juud  the  wound  sewed  up. 

Ventral  hernia  is  known  by  the  contents  being  movable  and  gurgling, 
and  easily  pressed  back  to  their  place.  If  recent,  the  animal  should  be 
thrown  on  its  back,  using  ether  or  chloral  to  keep  quiet,  returning  the 
protrusion,  padding  the  orifice,  and  covering  with  strong  factory  muslin 
wound  round  the  abdomen  and  laced  along  the  back,  the  bandage  being 
kept  in  place  by  bands  fastened  in  front  and  carried  to  a  collar  worn  on 
the  neck.  Except  in  the  case  of  valuable  animals,  treatment  scarcely 
pa^'^s,  unless  a  veterinarian  can  be  enjployed  who  understands  anatomy « 

IX.     Choking. 

Choking  occurs  in  two  distinct  forms.  The  high  choke,  when  the  sub- 
stance is  lodged  in  the  throat  or  neck  ;  and  the  low  choke,  when  the  sub- 
stance is  lodged  in  that  part  of  the  gullet  lying  low  down  within  tho 


THE    HOBS^,    ITS   DISEASES.  475 

chest.      In  high  choke,  the  animal  may  die  in  a  few  minutes ;  in  loir 
choke,  there  is  not  such  special  need  of  haste. 

How  to  know  it. — There  is  intense  distress ;  the  head  is  raised ;  ther* 
is  slavering,  violent  coughing  and  continual  efforts  to  swallow. 

What  to  do. — Examine  carefully  the  furrow  on  the  left  side  of  the 
neck  for  the  substance.  If  solid,  endeavor  to  press  it  upwards  with  the 
lingers  on  each  side.  If  not,  endeavor  to  extract  it  by  putting  a  balling  iron 
into  the  mouth  to  hold  it  open  ;  pull  out  the  tongue  ;  pass  the  hand  into 
the  throat  and  endeavor  to  dislodge  it  with  the  finger,  the  head  being  held 
out  in  a  straight  line  with  the  neck.  If  this  do  not  succeed,  and  the 
obstruction  is  in  the  gullet  and  is  clear  of  the  windpipe,  procure  a  probang, 
oil  it  thoroughly,  cast  the  horse,  put  the  balling  iron  in  the  mouth,  intro- 
duce the  probang  and  by  steady  pressure  for  a  few  seconds  at  a  time, 
endeavor  to  move  it.  If  it  moves  continue  the  pressure  until  it  is  pushed 
into  the  stomach. 

If  the  substance  is  so  firmly  held  that  the  probang  will  not  move  it,  the 
mass  must  be  cut  down  upon  and  taken  out.  Let  an  assistant  press  the  off 
side  of  the  neck  to  get  as  much  bulge  as  possible.  Then  with  a  bold  cut 
of  a  sharp  knife,  cut  through  skin,  tissues  and  gullet,  to  the  mass,  with 
an  ample  cut,  and  remove  ;  bring  the  edges  of  the  gullet  together,  stitch 
them  with  fine  catgut,  or  strong  silk,  and  then  the  v/oundinthe  skui.  The 
difficulty  here  may  cause  subsequent  stricture  of  the  gullet,  which  may 
thereafter  prevent  the  animal  swallowing  solid  food.  In  any  event  only 
semi-liquid  food  should  be  given  for  ten  days  after  choking,  or  untQ  the 
animal  seems  well. 

In  desperate  cases,  where  there  is  instant  danger  of  death  from  choking, 
tracheotomy  must  be  employed.  This  is  cutting  into  the  windpipe  and 
inserting  a  breathing  tube  and  will  be  treated  in  its  appropriate  place. 

The  Low  Choke. — This  is  where  the  obstruction  is  low  in  the  gullet, 
or  in  the  thoracic  portion  of  the  aesopbagus. 

In  this  form  there  is  great  distress  but  the  head  is  not  held  so  high » 
saliva  runs  from  the  mouth,  and  the  discharge  is  copious  from  the  nose  ; 
if  the  animal  attempts  to  drink,  the  water  is  cast  forth  from  the  nose  ;  the 
breathing  is  laborious,  the  flanks  tucked  up,  the  back  roached,  and  th« 
animal  shows  symptoms  of   general  distress. 

What  to  do. — Give  a  gill  of  linseed  oil  or  lard  oil  once  an  hour,  and 
between  these  doses  every  hour  the  following  anti-spasmodic : 

No.  202.  2  Ounces  sulphuric  ether, 

2  Ounces  laudanum, 
^  Pint  water. 

Use  the  probang  carefully  after  each  anti-spasmodic.     If  the  whole  »f 


476  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

the  dose  is  apparently  returned,  administer  chloroform  from  a  sponge,  hy 
inhalation,  until  entire  insensibility  is  produced.  Then  extend  the  head, 
insert  the  probang,  well  oiled,  and  use  steady  but  constant  pressure, 
wntil  the  substance  moves.  It  may  take  ten  to  fifteen  minutes,  or  more. 
When  the  substance  moves  do  not  use  much  violent  pressure,  but  move 
it  carefully  until  it  enters  the  stomach,  care  being  taken  not  to  force  the 
instrument  too  far  and  thus  wound  that  organ,  remembering  always  that 
sudden  violence  may  bring  on  spasmodic  action,  in  which  case  efforts 
must  cease.     Violence  may  also  rupture  the  sesophagus. 


THE   LOW    CHOKE 


X.    Wounds  Penetrating  the  Abdominal  Cavity. 

A  penetrating  wound  of  the  walls  of  the  abdomen  is  generally  followed 
by  protrusion  of  the  bowels.  Sometimes  it  is  so  extensive  as  to  allow 
a  large  portion  of  the  intestines  to  escape.  If  so,  they  should  be  sup- 
ported by  a  sheet  fastened  over  the  back  to  prevent  injury  by  the  feet 
and  the  admission  of  dirt  until  relief  is  given. 

What  to  do- — The  horse  should  be  cast,  the  bowels  washed  with  tepid 
water,  the  horse  turned  partly  on  his  back,  the  intestines  properly  returned 
to  their  place  by  pressure,  and  the  wound  sewed  up  with  catgut,  well  soaked 
in  warm  oil,  and  at  intervals  of  an  inch  apart,  bringing  the  edges  nicely 
together.  Then  encircle  the  belly  with  a  strong  band!lge  properly  fas- 
tened, by  being  laced  along  the  back.  Empty  the  rectum,  if  necessary, 
by  means  of  injections  of  warm  water  or  soap  suds,  and  keep  the  bowelt 
open  by  feeding  scalded  shorts  pretty  well  salted, 

XI.    Contused  Wounds. 

A  contused  wound  is  one  occasioned  by  injury  ffvim  seme  Muni  inetru 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  477 

ment,  as  a  hook,  wagon  shaft,   or  other  similar  medium.     They  often 
leave  a  gaping  wound  with  torn  and  bruised  edges. 

What  to  do. — Clip  away  all  torn  and  bruised  flesh  that  present  ragged 
edges.  If  the  injury  is  not  extensive  all  that  will  be  necessary  will  be  to 
keep  the  bowels  of  the  animal  in  health,  and  moderately  loose,  with  bran 
mashes,  using  the  following  lotion  daily.  This  is  known  as  the  compound 
tincture  of  aloes  and  myrrh  and  should  be  kept  in  every  stable  as  a 
dressing  for  wounds,  galls  and  other  injuries  of  that  nature.  It  is  made 
as  follows : 

No.  203.  4  Ounces  myrrb, 

4  Ounces  benzoin, 
4  Ounces  of  catechu, 
8  Ounces  pulverized  aloes, 
1  Gallon  Jamaica  rum. 

Mix,  keep  in  a  warm  place  for  two  weeks,  frequently  shaking  it,  and 
filter  through  linen.  If  the  wound  assumes  an  unhealthy  character,  wash 
with  water  in  which  a  little  carbolic  acid  is  mixed.  When  granulations 
appear,  if  pus, raatter,forms, wash  daily  with  a  syringe  and  warm  water, 
and  use  the  carbolic  acid  wash  for  dressing,  or,  if  the  wound  is  in  such 
a  place  that  it  may  be  done,  cover  with  tow  saturated  with  the  wash.  If 
the  granulations  are  soft,  flabby  and  projecting,  showing  proud  flesh, 
touch  them  with  a  stick  of  lunar  caustic,  and  expose  to  the  air  until  dry. 
Then  dress  as  before  directed. 

Xn.    Lacerated  Wounds. 

A  lacerated  wound  is  a  torn  wound.  The  wound  by  treading, calking^Is 
a  lacerated  wound.  The  tearing  up  of  the  skin  and  sub-cellular  tissues, 
leaving  a  flap,  is  a  lacerated  wound. 

What  to  do. — In  any  wound,  if  feverish  symptoms  occur,  give  an  ounce 
of  pulverized  saltpeter  in  the  drink  night  and  morning,  and  administer  a 
moderate  purge,  unless  the  bowels  are  open,  say  4  ounces  of  aloes. 

In  the  case  of  any  lacerated  wound,  if  extensive,  clip  away  all  torn 
shreds,  bring  the  edges  nicely  together  and  sew  them  with  fine  catgut,  or 
white  waxed  silk,  and  let  the  subsequent  treatment  be  as  directed  for 
•ther  wounds. 

XIII.    Punctured  Wound. 

A  nail,  the  point  of  a  fork,  a  splinter  of  wood,  a  thorn,  or  any  similar 
•ubstauce,   makes  a  punctured  wound.      They  are  the   most  dangerous   o# 

wounds,  from  danger  of  internal  poisoning,  or  fistula,  lockjaw,  etc- 


<78 


ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 


What  to  do. — First,  examine  carefully  by  means  of  a  probe  for  any 
foreign  substance  lodged  inside.  If  so,  remove  it,  even  if  a  clean  cut 
has  to  be  made.  A  clean  cut  is  not  dangerous  unless  an  artery  is  sev- 
ered. If  the  instrument  inflicting  the  wound  was  dirty  or  rusty,  syring« 
the  wound  thoroughly  with  weak  carbolic  water.  If  the  wound  heals 
kindly,  use  the  tincture  of  myrrh  dressing,  No.  203.  If  inflammation 
sets  in,  and  matter  forms  in  a  deep,  narrow  wound,  it  may  be  necessary 
to  enlarge  the  opening  to  let  out  the  pus.  Then  treat  as  directed  for 
contused  or  lacerated  wounds. 


MANNER  OF  USING  SBTON  NEEDLE. 


Xrv.    Broken  Hock. 

This  is  a  term  applied  to  a  severe  injury — 
breaking  the  cap  of  the  hock.  The  only  treat- 
ment is  absolute  rest,  the  application  of  sedatives 
as  lotions,  laudanum  equal  parts  with  water,  to 
remove  pain,  and  astringents — ^white  oak  bark. 
It  is  sometimes  necessary  to  blister  near  the 
part  to  get  up  counter  irritation,  or  put  in  a  se- 
ton  below  the  hurt.  The  mode  of  using  a  fixed 
seton  needle,  to  bring  a  wound  together,  in 
sewing,  where  a  proper  crooked,  flat  needle  is 
not  at  hand,  is  here  shown.  It  will  also  serve 
to  show  the  manner  of  using  a  needle  for  a  se- 
ton, to  be  threaded  with  white  tape. 

XV.    Dislocations. 


Dislocations  in  the  horse  are  rare,  and  when  they  occur  are  diflicult  to 
manage,  except  with  the  aid  of  a  veterinary  surgeon.  Dislocation  of  the 
lower  joints,  and  of  the  hip,  is  most  common,  from  catching  the  foot, 
twisting  and  pulling  thereon  to  get  free.  In  fact,  dislocation  of  the  hip 
is  scarcely  ever  seen  except  in  connection  with  fracture,  but  is  sometimes 
met  with  in  lean,  under-fed,  young  cattle  and  horses.  Dislocation  of  the 
shoulder  is  most  seldom  met  with. 

What  to  do. — In  any  case  of  dislocation  the  first  thing  to  do  is  to  put 
the  joint  in  place,  not  always  an  easy  matter.  The  means  we  have  indi- 
cated for  dislocation  of  the  stifle  will  serve  to  show  the  manner  of 
operation.  A  veterinary  surgeon  should  be  employed  if  possible  in  any 
case  of  dislocation.  If  such  cannot  be  had,  any  humane  surgeon  should 
be  willing  to  give  advice  as  to  how  to  operate.  The  means  to  be  employed 
are  so  different,  varying  with  each  particular  case,  that  it  would  be  im- 
possible to  state  them  except  in  a  general  way. 


THE   HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES. 

If  inflammation  and  considerable  swelling  has  set  in  before  the  hurt  is 
discovered  this  must  be  first  reduced  by  cold  water  applications,  or  better, 
hot  water  fomentations,  if  persistently  applied.  Then  the  joint  must  be 
brought  to  place  by  traction  and  force.  If  there  is  no  inflammation  this 
will  not  be  difficult. 

"WTien  a  starch  bandage  may  be  employed,  this  should  always  be  used 
to  hold  the  parts  together.  If  not  the  dislocation  must  be  splintered  or 
padded,  or  both,  to  keep  the  parts  intact  and  in  place.  The  slings  should 
always  be  employed  to  rest  the  horse  when  they  may  be  had.  This  with 
cooling  lotions  to  subdue  inflammation,  rest,  proper  care  and  feeding, 
will  ensure  recovery  in  the  end.  A  bad  dislocation,  however,  usually 
leaves  the  horse  out  of  condition  for  anything  but  farm  or  slow  work. 

XVI.     Various  Fractures. 

To  fracture  a  limb  completely,  so  the  leg  hangs  loose,  is  of  so  serious 
a  nature,  in  the  horse,  that  unless  in  the  case  of  a  very  valuable  animal 
for  breeding  purposes  it  had  better  be  killed  at  once.  In  very  many 
cases,  however,  one  of  the  bones  of  the  leg  is  fractured  or  split  part  way, 
though  the  horse  may  not  exhibit  extreme  pain,  may  even  travel  upon  it. 
Softening,  however,  sets  in,  and  sometime  after,  in  getting  up  in  the 
stable,  the  bone  gives  way  entirely.  So  the  fibula,  as  the  smaller  bone  of 
the  leg  is  called,  may  be  fractured.  If  there  is  lameness  after  falling  in 
harness,  or  from  a  blow,  with  tenderness,  it  is  safe  to  treat  for  fracture. 

What  to  do. — Place  the  horse  in  the  slings  and  splinter  the  limb,  first 
having  applied  a  starch  bandage,  when  it  may  be  made  to  act.  All  that 
will  be  necessary  further  will  be  to  feed  and  water  regularly,  keep  the 
bowels  naturally  open,  reduce  inflammation  and  soreness  by  the  use  of 
arnica,  and  trust  to  time  for  a  cure.  A  month  or  six  weeks  ousht  to  so 
strengthen  the  bone  that  the  animal  can  eat  grass,  or  be  fed  in  a  box 
stall  until  recovery  is  perfected. 

XVn.    Various  Distortions. 

A  distortion  arising  from  fracture  or  from  any  chronic  difficulty  cannot 
be  cured.  In  case  of  severe  recent  strain  of  the  ligaments  of  the  neck, 
by  which  the  head  is  thrown  to  one  side,  and  held  so,  the  neck  should  be 
brought  straight,  splintered,  and  held  so  until  the  ligaments  recover  their 
normal  tone.  Poll  evil  often  leaves  the  animal  with  a  stiff  neck,  pro- 
ducing a  distorted  manner  of  holding  the  head.  Distortions  are  often 
produced  by  injuries  of  various  kinds.  These  must  be  attended  to  during 
the  cure  of  the  superinducing  cause.  Distortions  often  occur  in  young 
animals,   as  knuckling,  turning  the  fetlocks  from  weakness,  etc.     The 


480  ILLUSTRATED     STOCK     DOCTOR. 

remedy  is  starch  bandages  and  splints.  Distortions  of  the  tail  by  which 
it  is  curved  awry,  are  remedied  by  wholly  or  partially  severing  the  ten- 
dons which  are  constricted  or  drawn.  This,  however,  should  never  bo 
attempted  l)y  one  who  does  not  understand  the  anatomy  of  the  parts, 
else  mischief  may  be  done.  As  a  rule,  however,  any  distortion,  except  it 
be  old  and  chronic,  may  be  cured  l)y  taking  proper  measures,  splintering, 
bandaoin*!^,  and  the  use  of  fomentations  where  relaxation  is  necessary. 
These  means  the  intelligence  of  the  operator  will  readily  suggest. 

XVni.    Diseases  of  the  Ear. 

Causes. — Injuries  to  the  ear  are  generally  caused  by  brutal  treatment. 
Twitching  them,  nipping  and  pulling  upon  them  with  the  blacksmith's 
plyers,  and  blows  upon  the  head  with  cudgels,  sometimes  result  in 
troublesome  bruises,  ulcers  and  tumors  that  close  the  auditory  passage. 

Deafness  may  be  an  organic  defect,  or  it  may  be  the  effect  of  some 
disease  which  has  disordered-  the  head,  and,  by  sympathy,  the  auditory 
nerve  ;  and  the  sense  of  hearing  is  no  doubt  dulled  by  old  age,  even 
when  the  horse  may  have  been  well  used  and  reasonably  free  from  dis- 
ease ;  but  it  results  in  most  cases  from  pulling  the  ears,  cutting  or  clip- 
ping either  them  or  the  surrounding  skin  to  remedy  supposed  defects, 
and  from  beating  upon  the  head. 

Sometimes  scabby  or  mangy  eruptions  make  their  appearance  upon  the 
tips  of  the  ears  and  spread  downward,  covering  them  entirely ;  but  this 
is  most  probably  the  accompaniment  of  some  general  skin  disease. 

How  to  know  it. — The  cuts,  breaks  in  the  skin,  or  sutures,  that  result 
from  pulling,  pinching,  and  twitching  are  readily  discernible,  as  are  also 
the  ulcers  or  suppurating  sores  in  which  they  sometimes  end.  When  the 
tendons  which  sustain  the  ear  in  its  upright  position  are  broken,  there  is 
no  difficulty  in  perceiving  it,  as  the  ear  drops  down  and  flaps  about  with 
the  motions  of  the  head  and  neck. 

Kunning  sores,  similar  to  the  poll-evil,  sometimes  result ;  but  these 
may  be  distinguished  from  that  disease  by  their  being  confined  more 
closely  to  the  ear,  either  inside  or  out. 

When  deafness  is  suspected,  an  examination  of  the  internal  ear  -will 
be  necessary  ;  and  if  the  swollen  parts  or  ulcers  are  not  perceptibj©,  some 
artifice  must  be  resorted  to  to  find  whether  the  hearing  is  actually  de- 
stroyed. Deafness  may  be  only  temporary,  as  is  sometimes  the  case 
with  man,  and  the  matter  can  be  decided  only  by  making  a  series  of 
examinations. 

What  to  do. — A  simple  laceration  of  the  skin,  and  even  of  the  cartilage, 
if  small,  will  require  no  special  attention ;  but  if  it  is  so  great  that  the 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  481 

edges  do  not  come  in  contact,  they  must  be  brought  together  and  sewed, 
after  which  the  trouble  will  soon  be  over. 

But  it  occasionally  happens  that  ulceration  of  the  skin  and  cellular  tis- 
sue and  a  rotting  away  of  the  cartilage  sets  in.  This  is  past  all  remedy, 
and  necessitates  the  cutting  away  of  the  ear. 

When  there  has  been  no  laceration  of  the  skin,  and  a  tumor  is  forming, 
apply  camphorated  corrosive  sublimate,  No.  2,  occasionally,  till  it  en- 
tirely subsides  ;  but  if  matter  seems  already  forming,  apply  May-apple 
liniment,  made  by  taking  one  gallon  of  May-apple  roots  and  boiling  them 
until  a  thick  syrup  is  formed  ;  then,  having  removed  the  roots,  adding  as 
much  lard  as  there  is  syrup,  and  stirring  well  together  while  the  syrup  is 
still  boiling.  This  liniment  will  draw  out  the  fever  and  bring  the  matter 
speedily  to  the  surface. 

Sometimes  an  abscess  forms  on  the  outside,  which  will  need  lancing  ia 
order  to  afford  the  most  speedy  relief.  In  this  case,  cut  at  the  lower 
•xtremi^-y  of  the  rising,  and  let  the  lancet  slant  upward  into  it. 

Deafness,  unless  simply  a  temporary  result  of  some  prevailing  disorder 
of  t^he  head  or  neck,  is  beyond  the  art  of  the  Teterinary  practitioner. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


POISONING. 


Iw  XKTSBMAL  P0X80V.- 


-11.  POISONING  FROM  STIWOS. 


-in.   POISONED  SEW. 


I.    Internal  Poisoning. 

The  cases  of  internal  poisoning  are  more  frequent,  especially  with 
horses,  than  is  generally  supposed.  Among  the  most  common  are  those 
arising  from  drastic  or  powerful  doses,  blindly  given  by  the  ignorant, 
cither  in  disease,  or  from  some  effect  sought  to  be  produced  upon  the 
general  health — to  make  the  coat  blooming,  cause  champing  of  the  bit 
and  frothing  at  the  mouth,  or  to  excite  the  animal  spirits.  Of  these, 
strong  purgatives,  diuretics  and  arsenic  are  the  most  common. 


A  ROR8K  SCFFEUING  KKOM    DKA8TIC   POISON. 


Other  causes  are  from  eating  poisonous  plants,  either  in  the  hay  or  In 
Ihe  pasture,  the  ergot  of  rye  and  other  grain  ;  ergot  sometimes  attacks  the 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  483 

grasses — thus, smutty  grain,  castor  beans,  hellebore  or  poke  root,  laurel, 
gtramonium  or  Jamestown  weed,  and  cured  tobacco,  among  plants,  may 
be  mentioned  as  common.  Among  minerals,  sulphuric,  nitric  and 
muriatic  acid,  and  all  the  concentrated  vegetable  acids  are  caustic  and 
irritant  poisons.  They  are  never  taken  unless  forced  down.  The  anti- 
dote to  these  is  larie  doses  of  powdered  chalk,  whiting  or  lime  water. 
In  the  absence  of  tnese  give  weak  lye  (white  lye)  until  relief  is  obtained 
*nd  follow  with  a  full  dose  of  linseed  oil. 

Alkalies  destroy  the  tissues.  If  quick  lime,  caustic  potash,  strong  lye 
or  washing  soda  has  been  taken  give  vinegar  and  water  to  neutralize  it, 
and  follow  with  a  dose  of  oil. 

Horses  that  are  dosed  with  whisky  to  "give  them  strength"  sometimes 
«how  alcoholic  poisoning.  Never  give  it  except  as  a  stimulant  as  advised 
for  disease. 

Forty  grains  of  arsenic  will  kill  a  horse.  The  symptoms  are,  intense 
thirst,  quick,  feeble  pulse,  great  pain  in  the  bowels,  with  purging  some- 
times, irregular  breathing,  faintness,  paralysis,  convulsions  and  death. 
Give  full  doses  of  oil,  in  which  is  mixed  two,  three  or  four  spoonfuls  of 
oarbonate  of  iron  as  the  case  may  seem  to  demand. 

Corrosive  sublimate  is  a  fatal  poison.  A  quarter  of  an  ounce  will  kill 
n  horse.  The  symptoms  are  violent  pain,  intense  thirst,  effusion,  and 
bloody  discharges  from  the  bowels,  trembling,  salivation,  ending  in  stupor 
and  death.  Give  the  whites  of  a  dozen  eggs,  stirred  in  a  little  warm 
water.  Follow  this  with  linseed  tea,  or  better  with  mucilage  of  slippery 
€lm.  Litharge  and  sugar  of  lead  are  poisonous.  The  symptomg  are 
staring  coat,  arched  back,  a  protruding  tongue  and  foaming  at  the  mouth, 
staggering,  and  sometimes  dashing  wildly  to  and  fro.  Give  large  iloses 
of  purgatives  to  be  followed  by  from  one  to  two  ounces  of  iodide  of 
potash  daily  for  seven  or  eight  days. 

Strychnine  is  a  quick  and  potent  poison.  Eight  to  ten  grains  will 
always  kill.  The  symptoms  are  violent  trembling  succeeded  by  stiffness 
and  jerking  of  the  limbs,  spasms,  rigid  limbs,  arched  back,  diflScult  respi- 
ration, succeeded  by  intervals  of  quiet ;  but  which  are  again  brought  on 
by  a  slight  noise  or  even  a  touch.  Soon  the  animal  dies.  Keep  the 
animal  quiet  and  in  a  dark  place,  and  give  a  quart  of  sweet  oil  or  linseed 
oil.  Follow  with  powdered  charcoal  mixed  with  thin  mucilage.  Move 
the  bowels  by  means  of  injections  as  quickly  as  possible,  and  if  exhaustion 
ensues  give  stimulants  (whisky)  freely. 

Tartar  emetic  in  doses  of  two  to  four  ounces  will  sometimes  kill  a 
horse.  The  symptoms  are,  thirst,  vomiting  and  purging,  staggerin-  \ 
colic,  salivation,  convulsions  and  paralysis. 

Give  strong  tea,  followed  as  soon  as  you  can  get  It,   with  a  decoction 


1^  ELLUyrRATED    STOCK    DOCTO*. 

of  wfciU  oak  bark.     For  the  Tomhing  and  purging,  if  they  continue,  gire 
f^  ym-waAmwtnwn  m  X  little  water. 

from  aloes,  castor  oil  or  croton  beans,  known  by  excesaire 
Uoodj  purging.  *^^  straining,  cold  ears  and  legs,  hot,  dry  mouth,  and 
bloating.  Give  two  ounces  of  laudanum  in  a  quart  of  linseed  tea,  and  if 
BBceasaiy  gire  a  like  dose  bj  injectMrn. 

In  poisoiimg  from  ctgot  or  otiier  Aseaaed  and  injured  foods,  give  full 
doses  of  linseed  oQ,  both  by  the  mouth  and  as  injections,  with  stimulants 
afterwaids ;  and  tonics,  say  eight  grains  of  quinine  three  times  a  day 

during  rccoTcry. 

For  poisoning  by  white  hellebore  or  Indian  poke,  gire  whisky  in  pint 
doses.  Hie  -rimr  means  may  be  used  in  poisoning  by  laurel,  followed 
hr  injections  of  salt  and  water,  and  also  by  linseed  oil  given  as  a  purge. 
In  case  of  poisoning  by  ofnmn  or  landamim,  poor  cold  water  on  the  head 
from  a  eoosiderable  height,  and  keep  the  animal  in  constant  motion.  For 
potnmK  with  Jamestown  weed  ( jimson)  known  by  faintness,  giddiness, 
foDoved  bj  eon^vlamts,  paralysis  and  stupor,  give  a  quart  of  linseed  oil 
witk  two  omoes  of  laadanmn.  Give  also  an  injection  and  subsequently 
flCmralate  with  pint  doses  of  whisky. 

Tobacco  poisoning  is  shown  by  purging,  offensive  dung,  colic  pains, 
weak  pulse,  prostration,  conrulsioas  and  stupor.  Give  a  purge  of  oil, 
a*d  f<Aow  with  pint  doses  of  whisky  in  slippery  elm  or  linseed  tea. 

H.    Poiaoning  firom  Stings. 

It  is  not  infreqaoit  that  animals  are  badly  stung,  or  bitten  by  venomous 
•erpeots  or  insects. 

For  the  atn^  of  insects,  as  wasps,  hornets  and  bees,  wash  the  stings 
repeatedly  wtth  onion  juice,  or  ammonia  three  parts  to  one  part  of  oil. 
Washing  with  salt  and  wat^'  is  also  an  ezc^ent  remedy. 

In  some  portions  of  the  West  and  espet^Dy  in  the  South,  gnats  and 
certain  species  of  Tenomoas  iies  eome  in  Summer.  The  remedy  against 
this  is  to  use  petroleum.  When  these  insects  are  verv  bad  it  is  usual  to 
smear  the  unprotected  parts  of  the  animars  body  with  a  mixture  com- 
,  posed  of  one  part  of  tar  to  two  parts  of  lard.  We  prefer  equal  parts  of 
petroleum,  lard  oil,  and  tar.  Bacon  drippings  mav  be  substituted  for  the 
lard  al  or  kvd.  For  the  stii^  of  centipedes,  scorpions,  tarantulas  and 
spiders,  give  die  f oflowmg : 

V*.  M.  1  T«i  wfittmtwl  ml  tmmmiA, 

%  PfBt  af  wim  watar. 


THE    HOKSE,    ITS    DISEASZS.  4S9 

"Wash  the  bitten  part  with  ammonia  frequently,  and  keep  it  soaked 
therewith  bv  means  of  a  sponge. 

Bites  by  venomous  serpents  are  to  be  treated  in  the  same  way.  The 
wound  should  be  well  cauterized  when  first  discovered  with  an  iron  at 
a  white  heat.  The  doses  of  whisky  we  have  given  are  fuU  ones.  One 
half  this  quantity  of  proof  spirits  given  every  hour  with  a  little  amtiwiiii^ 
until  relief  is  obtained  will  be  proper,  but  in  bad  cases  gire  the  full  does 
*3  a  first  one,  and  always  with  water. 

TTT-    Poisoned  Skin. 

There  are  manv  weeds  and  plants  that  sometimes  cause  irritatHm  and 
poisoning  of  the  skin.  The  means  of  cure  is  to  move  the  bowcis  and 
apply  some  soothinsr  wash  to  the  irritated  parts.  For  injury  from  poison 
oak.  poison  ivv,  hemlock,  St.  John's  wort,  etc.,  wash  with  a  decoction  of 
golden  seal  three  times  a  dav.  oiling  the  surface  at  night.  In  the  morn- 
ing wash  awav  the  oil  with  soap  and  warm  water,  and  use  the  golden  se*l 
again.  A  solution  of  sugar  of  lead  is  also  a  specific  for  r^ngtable  p<MsoiH 
kig  of  the  skin. 


CHAPTER  XVn. 


VBTKBENABY  SUBG^Y. 


I.  CA«nunoK.^— n.  sLKiDtsG. m.  trachiotokt. rv.  pxRioanoTOirr.— v.  xsxv 

KOTOirr. VI.  DrvTSiON  op  the  TXirooys. 


Genkral  Remarks  on  Suegeet. — Every  person  who  has  the  care  of 
farm  stock,  or  who  has  the  care  of  horses,  should  understand  some  of 
the  simpler  means  used  in  veterinary  surgery.  The  castration  of  animals, 
for  instance,  is  exceedingly  easy  and  safe  if  a  few  simple  rules  are  ob- 
served. If  done  in  a  bungling  or  improper  manner,  the  chances,  except 
in  the  case  of  very  young  animals,  are  against  recover^'.  Bleeding  is 
sometimes  absolutely  necessary  to  save  life.  When  necessary  it  should 
be  promptly  performed.  Tracheotomy  also,  as  cutting  into  the  windpipe 
is  called,  must  sometimes  be  performed  before  a  surgeon  could  possibly 
reach  the  animal.  Periosteotomy,  as  operating  upon  the  membrane  of  the 
bones  of  the  leg  is  called,  had  better  be  left  to  the  veterinary  surgeon 
entirely;  so  again,  neurotomy,  the  division  of  the  nerve  which  supplies 
the  hoof  of  the  fore  leg  with  sensation,  had  also  better  be  left  to  the 
surgeon.  In  all  division  of  tendons,  fractured  limbs  and  various  disabil- 
ities to  which  animals  are  subject,  ever}'  horseman  ought  to  know  what 
to  do.  The  diseases  of  animals  have  been  pretty  thoroughly  treated  of 
in  this  work.  Some  of  the  operations  of  surgery  must  therefore  receive 
the  attention  their  importance  deserves. 

I.    Castration. 

Calves,  lambs  and  pigs  should  be  castrated  when  quite  young,  always 
before  the  sixth  week  of  their  life.  Lambs  and  pigs  should  be  castrated 
at  from  one  to  two  weeks  old.  Colts  are  not  usually  castrated  until  one 
year  old,  smce  thus  they  retain  more  of  the  natural  \igor  and  style  of 
the  entire  horse. 
486 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  487 

In  the  case  of  colts  and  old  horses  the  structures  are  touo^h  and  the 

c 

cords  strong,  consequently  clamps  (grooved  sticks)  so  twined  together  at 
one  end  that  when  pressed  together  and  tied  firmly  the  cord  will  be  held 
so  tight  that  circulation  is  entirely  stopped  are  generally  used. 

How  to  do  it. — Cast  the  colt  or  horse  and  fasten  him  securely,  havir^ 
everjk'thing  read}',  a  keen,  round-pointed  knife,  clamps  and  cords.  Seize 
the  scrotum  making  a  clean  cut  through  the  integuments  and  well  into  the 
testicle,  and  in  a  line  so  the  cut  shall  be  parallel  to  the  median  line,  or 
line  dividing  the  scrotum.  Clean  the  envelop  of  the  testicle,  leaving  it  as 
near  intact  as  possible,  as  the  envelop  must  remain  %\-ith  the  animal.  Draw 
the  testicle  out,  put  a  clamp  on  the  cord  and  seizing  the  other  end  of  the 
clamp  with  a  pair  of  pincers  press  it  strongly  together,  and  tie  securely 
with  a  waxed  thread.  So  proceed  with  the  other  side.  The  horse  may 
then  be  allowed  to  get  up.  In  thirty-six  to  forty-eight  hours,  the  sticks 
are  to  be  removed  by  cutting  the  strings. 

Another  mode,  and  a  most  excellent  one,  especially  in  the  case  of  colts, 
is  after  freeing  the  testicle  of  its  envelop  and  exposing  the  cord,  to  seize 
the  artery  beyond  where  it  is  to  be  secured,  with  a  pair  of  pincers  made 
for  the  purpose,  cut  the  cord  and  twist  the  artery  seven  or  eight  times ; 
let  go,  and  with  its  retractive  force  it  will  retain  the  twist  and  prevent  all 
bleeding.  Another  way  is  to  tie  the  artery  and  allow  the  ends  of  the 
strings  to  hang  out  of  the  orifice.  The  plan  by  torsion,  twisting  by  the 
pincers,  is  the  plan  to  be  preferred. 

In  castratins^,  do  not  be  afraid  to  make  an  extensive  cut,  and  do  not 
leave  the  cord  too  long,  else  it  may  be  strangulated,  and  fever  and  infla- 
mation  ensue.  If  this  should  unhappily  occur,  enlarge  the  opening  and 
push  up  the  cord.  If  there  is  formation  of  matter,  hasten  it  by  foment- 
ation with  warm  water.  "When  a  free  exudation  of  cream-like  matter  is 
established,  the  animal  will  go  on  to  recover}'  as  granulation  progresses. 
Wash  the  parts  daily  with  tincture  of  aloes  and  m}Trh.  If,  however, 
the  work  has  been  properly  done,  the  animal  will  suffer  little  inconveni- 
ence, and  nothing  more  need  be  done. 

The  best  time  for  castrating  colts  and  horses  is  from  the  middle  of 
May  to  the  first  of  June,  in  the  North,  and  in  the  South  about  the  time 
the  young  grass  is  a  full  bite. 

n.    Bleeding. 

There  are  cases  where  bleeding  must  be  resorted  to  to  save  life.  Theee 
are  brain  disorders  and  some  forms  of  inflammatory  disease.  The  jugu- 
lar vein  is  the  one  to  be  bled  from,  and  when  the  object  is  to  deplete  th« 
system,  six,  seven,  and  even  eight  quarts  should  be  taken.  Always  catck 
the  blood  in  a  vessel,  as  it  is  neccessary  to  know  how  much  we  take. 


488  ILLUSTRATED   STOCK   DOCTOB. 

By  pressing  on  the  jugular  vein  along  the  neck,  below  the  spot  select, 
td  for  the  incision,  it  will  soon  rise  up  prominently .  In  bleeding,  always 
make  the  incision  in  the  line  of  the  vein,  never  across  it.  Make  the  in- 
cision large,  but  never  through  both  walls  of  the  vein.  When  sufficient 
blood  has  been  taken,  raise  the  lips  of  the  vein  between  the  fingers,  thrust 
a  pin   through  and  vnnd  some  thread  dipped  in  the  blood  about  it  to 

hold  it. 

In  staggers  and  diseases  of  the  brain,  it  is  usual  to  bleed  in  the  roof  of 
the  mouth. 

Whenever  a  horse  is  to  be  bled,  it  is  better  to  blindfold  him,  since  it 
prevents  his  starting,  and  thus  causing  a  miss  with  the  lancet  or  fleam  in 
the  hands  of  an  inexpert  person. 

m.    Tracheotomy. 

The  operation  of  tracheotomy  consists  in  cutting  down  into  the  wind- 
pipe, in  all  desperate  cases  "where  the  animal  is  likely  to  suffocate  for 
want  of  breath.  In  bad  cases  of  strangles,  or  other  obstruction  to  breath- 
ing, it  is  sometimes  necessary  to  save  the  life  of  the  animal,  and  there  is 
no  time  to  wait  for  a  surgeon. 

How  to  do  it. — Have  an  assistant  hold  the  horse's  head  high,  with  the 
nose  extended,  so  as  to  best  stretch  the  skin  of  the  neck.  Then  feeling 
along  the  neck  for  that  part  least  covered  with  flesh,  make  a  bold  in- 
cision with  a  sharp  knife — one  with  a  round  point,  and  thin,  being  prefer- 
able. Make  the  incision  about  four  inches  long,  and  along  the  central  line 
of  the  windpipe,  and  down  to  it.  Then  with  a  sharp-pointed  knife  pierce 
one  of  the  upper  exposed  rings  of  the  windpipe,  cut  downward  along  the 
central  line,  dividing  two  or  three  of  them  ;  introduce  a  tracheotomy 
tube,  which  has  a  movable  collar  to  prevent  going  in  too  far,  and  fasten 
its  strings  around  the  neck  to  hold  it  in  place.  The  spout  of  a  tea-kettle 
has  been  extemporized  as  a  tube,  and  with  good  effect.  This  tube  must 
be  allowed  to  remain  until  the  animal  can  breathe  through  the  nostrils, 
when  the  wound  may  be  sewn  up  and  treated  as  any  other  clean  cut. 

IV.    Periosteotomy. 

This  is  cutting  down  to  the  bone,  and  through  the  periosteum,  the  ner-i 
Tous  vascular  membrane  immediately  investing  the  bone,  and  which  in 
fccalth  has  little  or  no  sensibility,  but  which  in  disease  of  the  bones  is  ex- 
ceedingly sensitive.  It  is  sometimes  performed  in  inflammation  of  the 
shank  bone,  when  exudation  has  taken  place  between  the  membrane  and 
bone,  giving  rise  to  thickening  and  the  formation  of  bony  matter. 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  43^ 

How  to  do  it. — Pass  an  extremely  narrow-bladed  knife  through  the 
skin  half  an  inch  below  the  swelling,  and  cany  the  point  carefully  up 
over  it,  dividing  the  periosteum  or  membrane.  Then  cover  with  a  wet 
bandage,  or  put  in  a  setou. 

A  better  way  is  first  to  make  a  snip  above  and  below  the  tumor  with  a 
pair  of  roweling  scissors.  Then  with  a  blunt  seton  needle  fixed  in  a 
hollow  handle  by  means  of  a  screw,  and  armed  with  a  tape  knotted  at 
the  end,  force  it  in  at  the  lower  snip  and  carry  it  up  and  out  at  the  other, 
breaking  down  the  cellular  tissue  of  the  tumor.  A  probe-pointed  knife 
is  then  introduced  slicing  the  tumor.  The  knife  is  withdrawn,  and  the 
needle,  released  from  the  handle,  is  passed  in  at  one  opening  and  out  of 
the  other,  the  end  withdrawn  from  the  needle  and  thus  the  seton  is 
fixed.  The  operation  should  be  performed  by  a  surgeon.  The  first 
operation,  simply  cutting  through  the  periosteum,  is  altogether  the  better 
course. 

V.    Neurotomy. 

This  is  the  division  of  the  nerve  of  the  hoof  in  navicular  disease  whea 
other  means  fail.  It  will  give  relief  from  pain,  but  it  is  no  cure,  and 
generally  the  disease  goes  on  advancing  until  the  animal  becomes  worth- 
less. We  should  never  advise  the  operation  upon  an  animal  with  a  weak 
hoof.  The  operation  must  of  necessity  be  performed  by  a  competent 
surgeon  who  understands  the  anatomy  of  the  foot  and  leg. 


VI.    Division  of  the  Tendons. 

There  are  some  disabilities,  as  bad  cases  of  knuckling  over,  carrying 
the  tail  awry,  or  only  the  toe  of  the  hind  leg  may  be  able  to  be  put  to 
the  ground,  from  contraction  of  the  perforans  tendon.  Relief  is  obtained 
by  division  of  the  tendons,  but  it  should  always  be  done  under  the  advio* 
of  and  by  a  competent  surgeon  and  with  proper  instrumente. 


CHAPTER  XVm. 


mSCELLAI^OUS    MINOB  DISEASE& 


S.  FIGfMBNT  TUMORS.  II.   KPITHBLIAL  CANCER.    III.   DROPSY  OF  THK  LUNGS.  — ^-IV. 

STINGS  AND  BITES. V.   FALLING  OFF  OF  HAIR. VI.   ACUTE  IRRITATION  OP  THX  SKIN. 

VII.  HARDENING  OF  THE  SKIN. VIII.   EXOSTOSIS  OF  THE  LOWER  JAW. EX.  SWELL* 

INQ  BY  PRESSURE  OF  THE  BRIDLE. X.   SORE  NOSE. XI.  ROARING,  OR  HIGH-BLOW- 
ING.   xn.  WIND-GALLS. XIU.  RUPTURE    OF    THE  HAMSTRING. XIV,  INTKBHAX. 

HEMORRHAGE. XV.    PARTIAL  PARALYSIS. 


I.    Black  Figment  Tumors. 

Those  black  pigment  tumors  known  by  the  learned  name  of  Melanosis, 
and  which  are  so  common  in  gray  and  white  horses,  attacking  the  baro 
parts  of  the  skin,  as  the  anus,  the  vulva,  the  sheath,  the  udder,  the  lips, 
the  eye-lids,  etc.,  are  occasionally  cancerous,  but  for  the  most  part  quite 
harmless.  If  they  are  deemed  objectionable,  as  disfiguring  the  animal, 
remove  them  with  the  knife. 

n.    Epithelial  Cancer. 

This  is  a  nipple-like  cancer,  which  sometimes  appears  on  the  lips  of 
horses.  It  should  be  promptly  removed  with  the  knife,  after  which  the 
oart  should  be  burned  over  with  lunar  caustic. 

m.     Dropsy  of  the  Lungs. 

This  results  from  valvular  and  other  diseases  of  the  heart.  When  th« 
ear  is  placed  to  the  chest,  and  the  horse  struck  on  the  other  side  with  the 
open  palm,  the  sound  heard  is  nearly  the  same  as  that  heard  in  pneumo- 
nia ;  but  it  may  be  distinguished  from  pneumonia  by  the  entire  absence 
of  fever  which  characterizes  lung  dropsy.  It  is  usually  beyond  medical 
t«ach,  as  the  diseased  heart,  its  original  cause,  is  generally  incurable. 
490 


TECB    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  491 

No  treatment,  in  addition  to  that  already  prescribed  for  heart  disease, 
can  be  recommended. 

IV.    Stings  and  Bites. 

Hornets,  wasps  and  bees  often  attack  horses,  and  sometimes  cause 
them  serious  injuries.  To  relieve  a  case  of  this  kind,  we  use  one  of  the 
following  remedies,  with  which  the  coat  must  be  thoroughly  saturated: 
Solution  of  ammonia ;  weak  carbolic  acid  wash,  ( 1  ounce  to  a  quart  of 
water)  ;  1  pint  of  lime  water,  in  which  1  drachm  of  carbolic  acid  is  dis- 
solved ;  or  oil  of  lobelia. 

Cases  are  recorded  of  horses  having  died  in  consequence  of  an  attack 
of  bees.  In  ordinary  cases,  the  preceding  direction  properly  carried  out 
will  be  sufficient ;  but  in  more  aggravated  ones,  sponge  the  whole  body 
with  lime  water,  and  then  smear  with  linseed  oil.  If  lime  is  not  accessi- 
ble, use  a  weak  solution  of  soda.  Spirits  of  turpentine  and  laudanum, 
in  equal  parts,  will  give  relief. 

To  prevent  the  stings  of  gad-flies,  make  a  strong  infusion  of  the  green 

bark  of  the  elder,  and  wash  the  flanks  before  going  out.     To  prevent  the 

bites  of  buffalo-gnats,  that  are  so  troublesome  along  the  lower  Mississippi, 

cover  the  parts  most  likely  to  be  attacked  with  a  mixture  of  tar  and  lard 

^two  parts  of  lard  to  one  of  tar. 

V.   Palling  OflF  of  Hair. 

i^'or  that  unwholesome  state  of  the  skin  and  hair  glands  known  by  the 
learned  terms  of  humid  exanthema  and  dry  exanthema,  that  causes  tho 
falling  off  of  tbe  hair,  the  following  is  an  excellent  local  remedy  when 
the  animal  is  not  under  general  treatment  for  some  disease  primary  to 
the  state  now  under  consideration : 

No.  209.  1  Ounce  pulverized  charcoal, 

1  Pint  olive  oil, 
5  Ounces  pyroligneous  acid, 

1  Ounce  common  salt. 

Mix,  and  rub  upon  the  parts  daily  with  a  sponge  or  a  soft  rag. 

VI.    Acute  Irritation  of  the  Skin. 

For  that  acute  irritation  of  the  skin  consequent  upon  clipping,  witft 
which  some  horses  suffer  so  much,  wash  twice  a  day  carefully  with  « 
solution  of  soda  (2  ounces  of  soda  to  a  bucket-full  of  water).  It  th« 
horse  is  especially  feverish  and  sore,  give  the  following  purgative: 

No.  210.  8  Ounces  castor  oil, 

2  Ounces  tincture  of  aloes, 

2  Dracnms  essence  of  peppenninL 


492  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

In  grooming,  use  a  soft  brush,  and  discard  the  curry-comb  until  ih% 
soreness  and  tenderness  are  gone. 

vn.    Hardening  of  the  Skin. 

For  that  hardening  of  the  skin  which  takes  place  in  consequence  of  th« 
pressure  of  some  portion  of  the  harness,  from  cutting  the  integumenti 
and  sub-cellular  tissue,  from  the  calkings  of  the  shoes,  from  cauterized 
fungi,  etc.,  use  the  acetate  of  cantharides  as  an  application  to  the  in- 
durations : 

No.  211.  1  Ounce  acetate  acid, 

5  Ounces  water, 
1  Ounce  pulTerizcd  cantharidee. 

Mix,  and  let  the  mixture  stand  fourteen  days  to  soften.  Then  filter 
through  linen  or  blotting  paper,  and  add  one  ounce  of  spirits  of  wine. 
Apply  it  occasionally  by  means  of  a  bit  of  sponge.  Or,  use  equal  parts 
of  oil  of  turpentine  and  olive  oil  applied  in  the  same  way. 

VUUL.    Exostosis  of  the  Lower  Jaw. 

That  unnatural  enlargement  or  bony  ex- 
crescence of  the  lower  jaw,   known   by  the 
above  name,  is  generally   caused  by  a  tight 
curb-chain  used  with  a  curb-bit  of  such  lev- 
erage as  to  enable  the  rider  to  inflict  injury 
by  violent  jerking.     The  jaw-bone  is  bruis- 
ed, and  soon  enlarges.     The  injured  portion 
must  exfoliate,  or  scale  ;  and  the  presence  of 
TTOOKCABSBDBYcrBB-cHAix.      tWs  uuuatural  substaucc  under  the  flesh  and 
tendons  gives  rise  to  a  foul  ulcer,  unless  steps  are   taken   to  give  relief 
while  the  hurt  is  comparatively  recent. 

Nature  makes  a  constant  effort  to  heal,  however,  and  unless  the  tumor 
is  irritated  by  passing  particles  of  bone,  it  partially  heals,  so  that  an  ob- 
stacle is  interposed  from  time  to  time  to  the  escape  of  the  scales  ;  and  in 
this  way  an  unnatural  bony  structure  is  formed  and  matured  before  the 
bony  tum6r  is  entirely  healed.  To  prevent  this,  open  with  a  keen  knife, 
as  soon  as  the  bone  is  found  to  be  injured,  and  keep  the  wound  open  hy 
using  the  elastic  syringe  and  warm  water,  until  the  discharge  has  assumed 
an  offensive  odor — ^then  syringe  into  it  several  times  daily,  this  solution  ; 

No.  212.  1  Scruple  chloride  of  zinc, 

4  Drachms  essence  of  anise  seed, 
1  Pint  water. 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  493 

If  taken  in  time,  and  treated  in  this  way,  the  healing  may  take  place 
without  deformity. 

When  once  the  bony  excrescence  has  established  itself,  no  one  but  % 
wilful  veterinary  surgeon  should  be  entrusted  with  its  removal. 

IX.    Swellings  by  Pressure  of  the  Bridle. 

These,  as  the  designation  indicates,  are  swellings,  sometimes  sores,  and 
occasionally,  when  of  old  standing,  callous  lumps,  made  by  the  pressure 
or  rubbing  of  the  bridle  upon  that  little  prominence  on  the  neck  just 
below  and  back  of  the  root  of  the  ear.  If  the  swelling  is  simple  and 
recent,  remove  by  saturating  it  with  the  camphorated  corrosive  sublimate 
(No.  2)  and  drying  in  with  a  hot  flat  iron,  held  close  without  touching. 
This  must  be  attended  to  once  a  day,  and  the  bridle  must  be  kept  off 
during  treatment.  If  there  is  a  sore  without  fungous  growth  (proud  flfesh) 
the  same  treatment  will  be  found  effective. 

If  the  tumor  is  of  old  standing  and  fungous,  the  proud  flesh  must  b« 
burned  away  with  lunar  caustic.  If  it  is  old  and  horny,  resort  must  be 
had  to  the  knife,  after  which  the  wound  may  be  healed  by  a  dressing  of 
simple  cerate,  -or  of  any  of  the  unctuous  oils. 

X.    Sore  Nose. 

The  nose  sometimes  becomes  sore  from  long-continued  purulent  dis- 
charges, from  any  irritating  substance  introduced,  but  generally  from 
grazing  near  some  irritating  weed  or  vine.  Jamestown  weed  will  often 
poison  the  noses  of  horses,  yet  the  leaves,  buds  and  pods  are  eaten  with 
impunity.  So-called  *'  sneeze  weed  "  will  also  irritate  the  nose  and  cause 
it  to  become  sore.  As  a  rule  rubbing  the  nose  with  mercurial  ointment 
in  which  equal  parts  of  sulphur  and  lard  has  been  intimately  mixed  will 
effect  a  cure.  Apply  with  a  mop,  if  out  of  reach  of  the  hand,  to  be 
rubbed  in  as  well  as  may  be  possible. 

XI,    Roaring  and  High-blowing. 

This  is  when  a  horse  emits  any  unnatural  noise  in  traveling,  whether  he 
simply  be  thick  winded,  or  emits  the  peculiar  noise  when  hard  urged,  or 
the  sharp  sound  denominated  whistling  and  piping,  similar  to  roaring, 
but  a  more  confirmed  type,  occasioned  by  a  strong  closing  of  the  rima 
glottidis.  Whistlers  are  simply  chronic  or  confirmed  roarers,  and  roaring 
precedes  whistling.  Both  impediments  to  breathing  are  produced  by 
atrophy  or  wasting  or  degeneration  of  the  muscles  whose  office  it  is  to 
dilate  the  larynx. 

Thick  wind  is  from  an  inflamed  and  thickened  condition  of  the  smaller 


^94  ILLCSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOB. 

and  lower  branches  of  the  breathing  tubes,  whistling  from  a  narrowing 
or  constriction  of  the  windpipe.  Roaring,  again,  is  of  two  kinds,  acute 
and  chronic.  The  first  is,  in  comparison  with  the  chronic  and  confirmed 
state,  lif'ht  and  trivial.  Fortunately  it  is  comparatively  rare  in  the  United 
States,  but  quite  common  in  England,  and  essentially  a  disease  of  higk 
or  well-bred  horses. 

True  high-blowing,  as  understood  by  English  horsemen,  is  not  consid- 
ered a  disease  or  impediment.  There  is  no  sound  made  during  inspira- 
tion. The  air  is  expelled  during  and  after  hard  exertion,  with  force  and 
a  peculiar  ^'ib^ation  of  the  nostrils,  causing  the  sound. 

Causes. — -^^7  ^^^  ^^  ^^  these  impediments  are  produced  by  various 
affections,  and  some  of  them,  as  thick  wind  and  roaring,  are  considered 
by  some  as  hereditary.  Laryngitis,  distemper,  bronchitis,  pneumonia, 
tumors,  diseases  of  the  nasal  membranes,  and  tight  reining.  Roaring  and 
whistling  are  decided  unsoundness.  So  also  should  thick  wind  be  conr 
sidered,  if  the  horse  is  to  be  used  for  any  other  than  slow  work. 

How  to  know  It. — One  of  the  means  used  is  to  go  into  the  stall,  take 
the  horse  bv  the  head,  and  make  a  motion  as  though  to  strike  him  across 
the  side  with  a  stick.  The  animal  will  probably  spring  towards  the  man- 
ger, and  if  a  roarer,  the  peculiar  grunt  accompan^'ing  the  habit  will  be 
made.  Yet  it  must  be  admitted  that  some  horses,  under  the  impulse  of 
sudden  fear,  will  grunt.  The  best  test  is  to  put  him  to  speed  more 
severe  than  usual.  If  the  trial  is  objected  to,  be  sure  there  is  something 
wrong,  and  be  sure  also  that  there  are  no  straps  about  the  neck  to  pre- 
vent or  ease  the  habit.  In  addition  to  the  ordinary  sound  made  by 
roarers,  they  often,  indeed  usually,  have  a  loud,  hard,  sharp  cough,  be- 
tween a  cough  and  a  roar.  If  occasioned  by  laryngitis,  this  cough  will 
be  indicative  of  the  chronic  stage  of  that  disease.  So  a  thick-winded 
horse  will  have  a  short,  hard,  dry  cough,  which  he  will  give  upon  making 
any  sudden  movement,  or  upon  being  struck  sharply  upon  the  abdomen. 

What  to  do- — ^Remedies  are  of  but  little  avail,  except  as  palliations.  In 
slight  cases,  and  during  the  earlier  stages,  swabbing  the  larynx  with  a 
solution  of  nitrate  of  silver  has  given  relief.  It  is  prepared  by  dissolving  at 
the  rate  of  ten  grains  of  nitrate  of  silver  to  each  ounce  of  distilled  water> 
and  is  applied  by  means  of  a  small,  soft  sponge  fixed  on  the  end  of  a 
piece  of  whalebone,  the  sponge  having  a  cord  attached  and  longer  than 
the  handle,  so  as  to  be  recovered  if  it  comes  off.  Pads  have  been  at- 
tached to  the  nose-band  of  the  bridle,  so  as  to  lie  on  and  compress  the 
false  membrane  of  the  nose.  These  have  given  relief  if  the  horse  is  not 
required  to  make  extra  exertion.  Firing  or  blisterins:  about  the  region  of 
the  larynx  has  also  been  successfully  used  as  a  means  of  relief. 


THE   HORSE,    ITS   DISEASES.  495 

When  roanng  is  caused  by  paralysis  of  the  muscles  of  the  larynx,  hy- 
podermic injections  of  strychnine  every  two  or  three  days  in  half  grain 
doses  has  given  relief. 

Relief  is  also  sometimes  given  by  rubbing  on  daily,  or  once  in  two 
iays,  the  following : 

No.  213.  1  Drachm  iodine, 

2  Drachms  iodide  of  potash, 
2  Ounces  lard. 

Mix  at  a  heat  little  more  than  to  melt  the  lard,  by  placing  in  a  vessel 
of  hot  water. 

In  all  of  the  diseases  mentioned,  good,  easily-digested  food  should  be 
given,  and  only  sufficient  water  to  satisfy  the  actual  demands  of  the  sys- 
tem, and  the  animal  should  not  be  put  to  work  within  an  hour  of  eating 
his  food. 

Thick  Wind. 

This  may  be  alleviated,  and  sometimes  cured,  by  giving  the  following 
6all  once  or  twice  a  day  for  several  days  in  succession,  as  the  animal  may 
eeexn  to  need  it : 

No.  214.  1  Drachm  powdered  camphor, 

1  Drachm  powdered  niter, 
1  Drachm  powdered  opium. 

Or  if  preferred,  to  be  given  once  a  day,  until  five  or  six  doses  are  takeii> 
U\G  following : 

So.  215  1  Drachm  powdered  niter, 

1  Drachm  extract  belladonna. 
S  grains  arsenic. 

XH.    Wind-galls. 

Causes. — Windgalls  may  arise  either  from  strains,  over  exertion,  ot 
dropsy  of  the  parts.  As  a  rule  they  are  elastic,  round  swellings  on  each 
Hide  of  the  tendons,  rarely  becoming  solid  from  coagulation  of  the  lymph, 
unless  as  is  occasionally  the  case,  the  strain  Is  so  severe  as  to  cause  in- 
flammation of  the  bone,  ulceration  and  bony  deposit.  They  do  no  injury 
whatever,  and  do  not  cause  unsoundness. 

What  to  do. — If  the  puffs,  windgalls,  are  just  appearing  they  may  'oe 
scattered  sometimes  by  a  strong  decoction  of  white  oak  bark  and  alum. 
They  may  be  reduced  by  blistering  from  subsequent  contraction  of  the 
skin  :  so  the  liquid  lymph  may  be  drawn  out  with  a  hvpodermic  syringe, 
after  which  a  wet  bandage  should  be  applied  over  the  part 


ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 

If  there  is  heat  and  tenderness  in  connection  with  the  windgalls  it  must 
be  treated  with  fomentations  and  a  high-heeled  shoe  as  recommended  for 
such  disabilities.  As  a  rule  simple  windgalls  being  so  common,  often 
appearing  on  colts,  and  doing  no  injury,  had  better  not  be  meddled  with 
unless  there  is  inflammation  attending  them. 

xm.    Bupture  of  the  Hamstring. 

Not  only  the  hamstring  but  other  sinews  are  subject  to  rupture  or  even 
division.  In  this  case  the  parts  should  be  brought  together  and  held  so 
by  starch  bandages  or  splints  or  both,  when  fibrous  tissue  will  form  and 
the  ends  will  unite  in  three,  four,  or  five  weeks.  If  inflammation  occurs 
it  must  be  treated  as  heretofore  advised. 

XIV.    Broken  Wind. 

A  horse  with  broken  wind  is  in  pretty  much 
the  same  condition  as  a  man  with  the  asthma. 
It  is  said  often  to  occur  suddenly,  as  after  unu- 
sual exertion,  or  after  severe  work  upon  a  full 
stomach.  The  facts  are,  these  may  have  aggra- 
vated and  suddenly  made  apparent  symptoms  not 
noticed  before.  There  is  no  cure,  but  much  may 
be  done  to  alleviate  the  distress  and  enable  the 
animal  to  do  ordinary  slow  work. 


now  TO  HEA.R  THE  SOUND  MADK 
IN    THX  HOBSE'S   WINDFIFS. 


How  to  know  it. — ^There  is  often,  for  a  long  time  previous  to  a  severe 
attack,  more  or  less  cough — a  short  dry  hack,  and  occasioned  by  irritabil- 
ity of  the  larynx.  The  appetite  is  often  ravenous  and  morbid,  the  thirst 
excessive.  As  the  disease  progresses  there  is  flatulence,  a  pendulous 
belly,  a  ragged  coat,  and  a  general  dejected  and  unthrifty  appearance. 

In  breathing  there  will  be  a  three-fold  effort.  The  inhalation  will  be 
quick,  the  expiration  slow.  Then  the  abdomen  will  rise  as  in  an  effort  to 
drive  forward  the  diaphragm,  and  thus  empty  the  half  expired  lungs. 
The  two  last  efforts  seem  laborious,  and  the  double  effort  is  often  only 
partially  completed  when  the  animal  is  again  forced  to  gasp  for  breath. 

In  the  earlier  stages  the  peculiar  sound  made  is  in  the  windpipe.  Th« 
cut  given  will  show  the  manner  of  listening  to  sounds  for  throat  difficul- 
ties. Every  horseman  should  accustom  himself  to  recognize  not  only  the 
sound  indicative  of  healthy  breathing  but  also  those  given  out  in  various 
diseases  of  the  throat.  No  horse  with  heaves  or  broken  wind  shotild  be 
driven  immediately  after  eating.  The  food  should  be  sound,  and  water 
should  be  given  only  in  small  quantities. 


THE   HORSE,  ITS   DISEASES.  497 

XV.     Internal  Hemorrhage. 

Internal  bleeding  or  hemorrhage  is  rare  unless  made  by  puncture  of 
some  of  the  deep-seated  blood  vessels.  The  orifice  leading  to  the  surface 
being  obscure  and  high,  will  of  course  occasion  internal  bleeding.  When 
they  can  be  got  at  the  remedy  is  of  course  tying.  Punctured  wounds  do 
not  bleed  much,  the  clot  usually  closing  the  orifice,  assisted  by  the  con- 
traction of  the  vessel.  In  transverse  or  oblique  clean  cuts  of  an  animal 
causing  wounds  to  the  important  arteries  death  must  follow  unless  they 
can  be  cut  down  upon  and  tied. 

Rupture  of  the  blood  vessels  of  the  lungs  sometimes  occurs  from  over 
exertion,  and  is  also  common  from  the  nose.     Or  hemorrhage  of   the 
lungs  may  arise  from  any  pulmonary  complaint   involving   the   blood 
vessels.     In  this  case  it  must  be  determined.      If 
the  blood  comes  from  both  nostrils  and  is  frothy, 
it  is   from    the    lungs.       If    the    horse  has    no 
specific  disease  of  the  lungs,  and  is  in  full  flesh, 
bleeding  from  the  neck  vein,  a  full  stream,  may 
check  the  blood.     Digitalis  in   fifteen  grain  doses 
may  be  given.     It   may   give   present   relief,  but 
probably  there  is  no  permanent  cure. 

If  the  bleeding  is  from  the  blood  vessels  of  the 
nose,  a  strong  solution  of  alum  may  be  syringed 
up  the  nostril.      If  this   fails,    pour  half  a  pint  of  boiling   water   on  a 
drachm  of  matico  leaves,  and  when  cool  strain  and  inject  it  up  the  nostril. 

Chronic  hepatitis,  congestion  and  inflammation  of  the  liver,  often  results 
in  hemorrhage  internally.  The  symptoms  confirming  this  state  of  things 
are,  the  mouth  cold,  nasal  membranes  pallid,  the  eyes  ghastly,  sometimes 
yellow.  The  horse  will  look  for  the  seat  of  pain  on  the  right  side,  and 
usually  lies  on  the  left  side  when  down.  The  head  is  depressed.  As  the 
disease  progresses  there  is  increased  weakness  with  staggering.  The 
pupils  of  the  eyes  are  dilated ;  the  sight  is  bad,  and  if  the  head  is 
attempted  to  be  raised  high  the  animal  instantly  shows  signs  of  falling. 

What  to  do. — Put  the  animal  in  a  roomy  stall,  or  loose  box.  Keep 
the  bowels  regulated  by  grass  and  bran  mashes  only,  with  nutritious  food 
and  as  much  gentle  exercise  daily  as  the  animal  can  take.  Prepare  the 
following : 

"So.  216.  2  Ounces  iodide  of  potasfliiun, 

1  Quart  liquor  potassa. 

Mix,  and  give  two  table-spoonfuls  twice  a  day  in  a  pint  of  water. 


INTBRPfAL   HEMORRHAOK. 


498 


ILLUSTRATKD     STOCK     DOCTOR. 

V.    Partial  Paralysis. 


This  is  a  disease  principally  coufined  to  fast  driven  horses,  ot  thok« 
used  to  extreme  exertion.  It  is  also  occasioned  by  ergot  in  the  hay  or 
grain  and  then  is  known  as  ergotism.  An  injury  to  the  brain  may  cause 
paralysis  of  the  opposite  side  of  the  body.  So  paralysis  of  the  face, 
body  or  limbs  may  arise  from  pressure  on  the  brain.  Paralysis  of  one 
side  of  the  body,  called  hemiphlegia,  may  result  from  disordered  brain 
or  spinal  cord.  So  paralj'sis  of  the  face,  ear,  eyelid,  lip,  tongue,  larynx 
and  tail  may  arise  from  local  causes.  A  current  of  cold  air  continually 
striking  a  part,  bad  fitting  bridles,  collars,  or  other  parts  of  the  harness. 
Paralysis  of  the  hind  limbs  is  the  most  common  form  and  may  result  from 
injury  to  the  loin  or  back,  from  indigestion,  from  tumors,  parasites,  in- 
flammation or  softening  of  the  spinal  cord,  from  eating  freshly  ripened 
seeds  of  some  of  the  grasses  (the  loliums)  as  darnell,  flax  rye  grass,  and 
perennial  rye  grass. 

What  to  do. — The  cause  must  first  be  found.  See  articles  on  inflam- 
naation,  poisons,  indigestion,  etc. 


IIOR8K  8CFFKBIN6  FROM  PARTIAL  PARAXY8I8  OF  THK  MIND  L£G9 . 

If  the  paralysis  proceeds  from  an  incurable  disease  it  is  to  be  treated 
by  cold  water  shocks  and  subsequent  friction  by  rubbing.  Among  the 
best  means  is  a  current  of  electricity  daily. 

The  following  ball  has  resulted  in  relieving  the  difficulty  when  it  wa» 
partial  paralysis  of  the  hind  limbs: 


THE   HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  49S 

No.  211.  H  Grain  strychnine, 

}i  Grain  iodine. 

Work  this  up  into  a  ball  with  powdered  quassia  and  molasses  and  give 
daily,  gradually  increasing  the  strychnine  according  to  its  effects,  so  that 
at  the  end  of  three  weeks  one  grain  will  be  given  daily,  and,  if  good 
effects  are  produced,  a  grain  and  a  half  may  be  given  daily  at  the  end  oi 
five  or  six  weeks. 

Paralysis  is,  however,  past  cure.  Something  may  be  done  for  present  * 
relief,  but  each  recurring  attack  is  more  and  more  severe.  The  most 
strengthening  food  should  be  given  and  the  best  of  care,  always  being 
careful  that  the  animal  be  not  subject  to  cold  drafts,  or  extraordinar3> 
labors.  During  the  recurrence  of  the  attacks,  absolute  rest  and  quiet 
must  be  given.  In  the  giving  of  nerve  stimulants,  as  strychnine,  when 
increasing  the  doses  gradually,  if  twitching  or  slight  cramps  of  the 
muscles  are  observed,  cease  giving  for  a  few  days  and  then  begin  again 
with  the  smallest  doM. 
32 


CHAPTER  XTT 


KEDICIZrES. 
WhMi  :o  Eaep,  Karw  to  Obcain.  Hov  to  Prepare,  And  Hoir  to  Oire  The 


AjrTT5XmC5~ TV. 

—  xn. 

xn.  maxTLAjrrs xvn.  toxics. xthl 

Dis5»cnoy. xao.  scsci- 

»HI.  XXMHCSSmS  TO  BX  EEPT. 


Lt  IB  Bot  ■ettWMiy  tliat  erexj  fainiKr  diould  keep  a  large  quantftr  of 
on  band.  A  few  sim^es  will  suffice,  except  in  the  case  of 
wko,  hsriii^  a  l>ig<e  £tock  of  airimaJf;,  require  medidDes  to  meet 
CMea  apt  to  arise.  The  great  point  we  hare  inasted  on,  and  here  reiter- 
ate, is  good  care  and  attention,  in  health,  and  good  nursing  in  sickness, 
as  being  nuet  impovtsBt  m  the  care  of  farm  animals.  The  day  has  psLSt 
for  biecdiug  and  pn;^!^  for  ererj  ill  that  eren  horse  flesh  is  heir  to. 
Good  Tgng,  attention  to  the  general  bealth,  and  to  symptoms,  with  the 
preacriptioBS  we  hare  ^ea,  will  enaUe  xnj  one  to  carry  an  animal 
thiungh  an  otdiuaiy  flidkoeas. 

Ercrjr  penon  who  has  ear^dlj'  8tn£ed  this  work  will  see  the  necessity 
of  keepii^  some  medicines  on  hand,  nnee  there  is  no  reason  why,  with 
the  aid  of  what  we  hare  presented,  he  may  not  be  able  to  treat  nine  in 
ten  of  the  dineaiies  to  which  faum  •«itwaU  a^e  subject,  and  without  the 
aid  of  a  professed  Teterinazj  smgeon.  The  totj  foil  ^oesary  which  will 
be  foond  as  a  part  of  this  work,  dioold  be  consulted  for  medical  terms 
«wd  when  the  definition  does  not  imme£ately  follow  the  use  of  the  term. 
In  naming  the  medicines  and  their  effects  in  thi£  chapter  we  shall  give 
defiaitions  tbat  may  be  found  in  the  ^ossary,  since  in  the  division  of  th* 
anbfect  of  medicines  it  scans  proper  that  we  should  follow  the  nrie 
•^npted  of  defining  the  ™*i«"«wg  of  terms  in  the  body  of  the  work.  The 
iTperstions  of  mfdirine  may  be  defined  as  follows : 

I.   Alteratzrea. 
Mfrfifiiifs  acting  genially  and  continually  on  the  system,  especially  on 
*^  blood  and  gtandnbir  sjatem.     Among  the  alteratives  are,  antimony. 


THE    HORSE.    ITS    DISEASED.  g^i 

niter,   sulphur,   ginger,   calomel,  arsenic,  iodine,  iodide  of    poUsaum, 
sulphite,  or  bi-sulphite  of  soda. 

Antimoni/. — Black  sulphuret  of  antimony.  Dose  1  to  2  drachms. 
Given  in  connection  with  sulphur,  1  to  2  ounces,  and  niter  4  to  6  dnduns. 

Ginger. — Given  as  an  alterative  only  in  connection  with  other  medicines. 

Calomel. — Give  in  broken  doses,  say  1  scruple.  Another  form  of 
mercury,  sulphuret.  give  3  drachms  once  a  day  in  connectkm  with  4 
drachms  cream  of  tartar  in  a  pint  of  water.  This  has  been  recommended 
in  obstinate  cases  of  surfeit,  and  other  affections  of  the  skin. 

Arsenic. — Dose  5  to  10  grains  daily.     It  should  only  be  used  under  the 
direoticn   of    a  veterinarian.     Its   action   is  principaUj  oo  the  nerres 
Fowler's  solution  of  arsenic  contains  4  grains  to  the  omice.     It  k  tht 
best  form  in  which  to  administer  the  mineral. 

Iodine. — ^As  an  alterative  give  10  to  20  grains. 

Iodide  of  potassium. — Dose  1-2  to  1  drachm.  Valuable  in  chronic 
rheumatism,  chronic  cough,  scrofulous  enlargements,  and  to  cause  ab- 
sorption in  pleurisy,  and  inflammation  of  the  lungs. 

Bisulph  ite  of  S'jda . — Th  is  atMst  mot  be  eon/ottrnded  writk  tmipkate.  Dose 
X-'2  to  1  ounce  relieves  tympbany. 

n.    Anesthetics. 

These  remedies  benumb  the  senses,  reUere  pain,  and  are  used  largely 
in  destroving  sensation  in  performing  principal  surgical  operatiGiis.  All 
that  will  be  necessary  to  notice  are  : 

Chloroform  and  Ether.  The  best  and  safest  prepaiatioii  is  the  foL 
lowinsr: 


5o.sia.  1 

a 

3 

Cast  the  animal  to  be  operated  upon;  pour  a  taUe-epoonfal  om.  a 
» x>nge  and  hold  to  the  nostrils  so  that  the  animal  can  take  some  air  with 
it,  since  if  not  mixed  with  air,  it  is  fatal  to  life.  Ke^  ^le  Jii^<eis  oatlie 
pulse,  and  if  it  ceases,  or  intermits  decidedly,  discoDtiDiie,  waA  IkM  hait»- 
hom  to  the  nose,  and  commence  again  more  lightly.  So  soon  as  uncoo- 
•ciousness  is  produced,  suspend  the  use  of  the  ansstiietxc,  and  renew 
asain  from  time  to  time,  until  the  operation  for  whidi  it  is  grroi  is 
completed. 

Sometimes  the  animal  will  continue  low  for  scwoe  time  aftor  the  admin- 
istration, with  failing  pulse  and  irregular  breathing.  If  so.  pour  pails  of 
cold  water  on  the  K^nly,  and  if  necessary,  gently  inflate  the  lungs  with  a 
pair  of  bellows,  at  the  same  time  pres^ng  upon  and  releasii^  the  ribs,  as 
in  natural  respiration.      Also  press  jMeces  of  ice  into  A»  lectum,  or 


oy)2  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK   DOCTOR. 

vagina,  according  to  the  sex,  as  an  additional  means  of  restoration,  il 
necessary.  As  the  natural  functions  again  act,  clothe  the  body  and  rub 
dry.  From  two  to  four  minutes  should  be  sufficient  to  produce  complete 
insensibility  in  either  the  horse  or  ox. 

m.    Antiseptics. 
These  are  used  to  arrest  mortification  and  putrefaction.     The  principal 
agents  are  charcoal,  creosote,  pyroligneous  acid,  sulphate  of  zinc,  and 
yeast.     They  should  be  applied  directly  to  the  parts  affected. 

TV.     Astringents. 

These  are  agents  used  to  stop  or  lessen  discharges,  either  of  the  bowels, 
Bose,  blood  vessels,  kidneys  or  glands,  and  are  applied  both  internally 
and  externally.  Among  those  usually  employed,  are,  acetate  of  lead, 
alum,  catechu,  ergot,  kino,  opium,  per  sulphate  of  iron,  tannin,  the  min- 
eral acids,  and  gallic  and  tanic  acids. 

They  should  not  be  used  when  there  is  considerable  inflammation  ;  nor 
for  diarrhoea,  in  the  beginning  of  a  difficulty,  since  this  flux  is  often  an 
effort  of  nature  to  relieve  the  body  by  natural  means. 

Acetate  of  lead. — Dose,  1  to  2  scruples.  As  a  wash,  use  a  saturated 
solution. 

Alum. — Dose,  2  to  3  drachms  ;  useful  in  sore  throat  and  dysentery.  In 
powder,  used  for  stopping  the  flow  of  blood. 

Catechu. — Dose,  2  to  5  drachms.     Useful  in  diarrhoea. 

Ergot. — Dose,  1-2  to  1  ounce.  Checks  bleeding  from  the  lungs,  nose, 
stomach  and  bowels.  As  an  astringent,  for  this  purpose,  it  is  better  to 
give  it  by  hypodermic  injections,  using  ergotine  in  solution  in  five  grain 
doses. 

Kino. — Dose,  1-2  ounce  to  an  ounce.     Given  in  diarrhoea. 

Opium — Laudanum. — Dose,  powdered  opium,  2  drachms.  Lauda- 
num, 2  to  4  ounces.  It  is  a  well  known  agent  in  relieving  the  spasms  of 
colic,  dysentery,  lockjaw  and  other  convulsive  ailments.  In  diseases  of 
the  lungs  and  breathing  tubes,  if  the  respiration  is  short  and  quick,  it 
should  not  be  given.  So,  if  there  is  much  fever  it  should  not  be  given 
until  these  symptoms  abate. 

Per  sulphate  of  iron. — Dose,  1  to  2  drachms.  Useful  for  arresting 
bleeding  or  hemorrhage. 

Tannin. — Tannic  acid  is  the  best  form.  Dose,  10  to  20  grains.  A 
powerful  astringent  in  diarrhoea  or  mucus  discharges. 

V.     Cathartics. 
These  are  medicines  acting  strongly  and  directly  on  the  bowels  as  a 
purge,  in  from  3  to  12  hours.       Strong  purgatives  should  not  be  given 
except  it  be  necessary  to  thoroughly  evacuate  the  bowels,  and  deplete  the 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  503 

animal  system.  The  principal  agents  employed  are  aloes,  croton  oil, 
linseed  oil,  podophyllin  and  salts. 

Aloes,  Barbadoes. — This  should  always  be  used  in  preference  to  Cape 
aloes,  which  is  more  griping.     Dose  4  to  8  drachms. 

Croton  oil. — A  powerful  and  sharp  purgative,  valuable  in  obstinat* 
constipations.  Applied  externally  it  is  apt  to  irritate  and  produce  blem- 
ish.    Dose  internally  20  drops. 

Linseed  oil. — ^A  safe,  and  pretty  sure,  mild  purge.  Dose  1  pint  to 
1  quart. 

Podophyllin. — This  is  the  active  principle  of  the  May  apple.  It  Is 
both  purgative  and  sedative.  Dose  1  to  2  drachms.  Its  effect  on  animals 
is  not  so  marked  as  on  man.  In  the  commencement  of  fevers  it  is 
excellent. 

Salts. — Sulphate  of  soda  or  Glauber  salts  is  generally  used  when  pur- 
gative effects  are  required.  The  dose  is  1  to  1  1-2  pounds.  Epsom  salts, 
sulphate  of  magnesia,  dose  1  to  2  pounds,  or  8  to  12  ounces,  and  repeated 
every  three  or  four  hours  until  an  operation  is  had. 

VI.    Carminatives. 

These  are  used  in  colic,  griping,  etc.,  and  are  often  given  with  griping 
medicines.  The  principal  agents  are  black  pepper,  caraway  seeds,  cloves, 
ginger,  peppermint,  sage,  etc. 

Black  pepper. — ^Dose  2  drachms.  When  a  quick  and  powerful  remedy 
ii»  required  give  2  drachms  red  (cayenne)  pepper. 

Caraway. — Dose  1-2  to  1  ounce  of  the  seeds,  as  a  powder,  or  as  an 
iuf  usion . 

Cloves. — Dose  1-2  to  1  ounce  of  powdered  cloves  steeped  in  hot  water 
and  given  warm,  or  30  to  60  drops  of  the  oil  of  cloves  given  in  thin 
mwcilage  of  gum  arabic. 

Peppermint  (oil). — Dose  15  to  30  drops  in  mucilage.  Sage  or  any  of 
the  heating  herbs  may  be  given  as  a  tolerably  strong  infusion  or  tea. 

Vn.    Counter  Irritants. 

These  are  divided  into  classes  :  Rubefacients,  which  simply  excite  the 
skin  to  redness  ;  vesicants,  which  blister,  and  suppurants  which  produce 
sores  on  the  surface.  They  are  serviceable  by  setting  up  inflammation 
on  the  surface  near  the  seat  of  disease,  in  congestion  and  inflammation  of 
internal  organs  ;  also  of  the  bones,  joints  and  tissues.  Rubefacients  are 
good  in  influenza,  and  other  attacks  of  a  general  nature,  where  there  is 
low  fever ;  as,  for  instance,  rubbing  a  paste  of  mustard  on  the  legs  and 
washinsr  it  off  in  ten  or  fifteen  minutes.  Vesicants  should  not  be  used 
when  fever  or  inflammation  is  high,  and  suppurants  are  chiefly  of  valu^ 
in  old  chronic  complaints. 


504  ILLUSTRATED   STOCK   DOCTOR. 

Rubefacients. — Alcohol,  ammonia,  mustard,  turpentine. 
Vesicants. — Cantharides,  scalding  water,  and  a  hot  iron  at  212  degrees, 
Fahrenheit. 

Suppurants. — Croton  oil,  ointment  of  tartar  emetic. 

vm.    Caustics. 

Agents  which  burn  and  destroy  the  flesh.  Used  to  kill  the  virus  in 
poisoned  wounds,  eat  out  proud  flesh,  destroy  sloughs,  and  stimulate  old 
ulcers  ;  to  produce  healthy  action  in  fistulas,  and  remove  warts  and  other 
excrescences.  Among  the  best  agents  are  butter  of  antimony,  caustic 
potash,  chloride  of  zinc,  lunar  caustic  (nitrate  of  silver),  nitrate  of 
mercury,  nitric  acid,  and  the  hot  iron  at  a  white  heat.  Chloride  of  zinc 
and  nitrite  of  silver  come  in  pencil  shaped  sticks.  Nitric  acid  must  be 
used  with  care.  It  is  powerful  and  intensely  eating,  causing  extreme  pain, 
l)ut  which  soon  ceases.  It  may  be  used  by  dipping  a  suitable  slip  of 
wood  in  the  acid  and  appl}dng.  The  hot  iron  is  the  most  powerful  caustic, 
as  it  is  the  most  efficient.  It  however  requires  nerve  and  judgment  to 
use  it  properly  and  efficiently. 

IX;    Diaphoretics. 

These  are  medicines  to  cause  sweatins:  o>  to  increase  the  insensible 
perspiration,  and  thus  relieve  pressure  on  other  organs.  Acetate  of  am- 
monia in  solution,  Dovers  powder,  ipecac  and  cantharides  are  mainly 
employed ;  the  animal  being  covered  quite  warm.  Warm  water  is  also 
useful,  but  steaming  the  most  prompt  of  all. 

Acetate  of  ammonia. — Solution.     Dose,  2  to  3  ounces. 

Dover's  powders. — Dose,  3  drachms. 

Ipecac. — Given  in  2  to  3  drachm  doses  in  warm  water,  until  the  effect 
k  produced.     Not  especially  useful  for  horses. 

Cantharides. — Dose,  4  to  5  grains. 

X.    Diuretics. 

These  are  medicines  used  to  act  on  the  kidneys.  Saltpeter,  sweet 
spirits  of  niter,  cream  of  tartar,  turpentine  and  digitalis  are  princi- 
pally used. 

Saltpeter — Dose,  6  to  8  drachms. 

Sweet  spirits  of  niter. — Dose,  1  to  2  ounces. 

Cream  of  tartar. — Dose,  1  ounce. 

Turpentine  (Oil). — Dose,  1  to  2  ounces. 

DigitaU.%. — Dose,  1.5  to  20  grains. 

Both  diuretics  and  diaphoretics  are  similar  in  their  action.  If  sweating 
l«  intended,  it  must  be  assisted  with  warmth  and  friction.     If  operation 


THE   HOBSE,    ITS   DISEASES.  505 

on  the  internal  organs  is  required,  warmth  and  friction  should  not  be 
used. 

XI.  Demulcents. 
These  are  gummy  or  glutinous  substances,  used  to  soothe  and  cover  in- 
flamed surfaces,  or  those  in  an  irritable  condition  ;  as  inflammation  of 
the  throat,  stomach  and  bowels ;  in  diseases  of  the  kidneys,  or  for  irrita- 
ble conditions  generally.  Those  most  in  use  are :  Linseed  tea,  o-um 
arable  water,  slippery  elm  bark  tea,  starch  water  and  olive  oil.  Marsh 
mallows  makes  one  of  the  most  valuable  agents  known,  being  especially 
soothing  to  the  bowels. 

xn.    Disinfectants  and  DeodoriBers. 

The  most  valuable  of  these  are,  sulphate  of  iron,  chloride  of  zinc,  car- 
bolic acid,  chloride  of  lime,  used  for  disinfecting  and  deodorizing  drains, 
etc.  The  cheapest  is  a  solution  of  sulphate  of  iron,  a  good  handful  dis- 
solved to  each  bucket  of  water  used.  As  an  atmospheric  fumigant  and 
•disinfectant,  the  following  is  cheap,  and  one  of  the  best  known : 

No.  219.  }i  Pound  flowers  of  sulphur, 

2  Pounds  pine  tar. 

Mix  with  a  gentle  heat,  saturate  tow  with  it  and  burn  without  flame. 

Carbolic  acid  in  weak  solutions,  or  crude  carbolic  acid  in  its  liquid,  im- 
pure form,  as  it  comes  from  the  gas  works,  is  valuable  for  brushing  over 
any  wood,  iron,  brick  or  stone  work.  Also  valuable  for  wetting  cloths, 
and  hanging  up  to  destroy  disease  germs,  keep  away  flies,  etc. 

The  following  formulas  will  be  found  valuable  disinfectants  : 

No.  220.  1  Part  sulphate  of  zinc, 

1  Part  powdered  oak  bark, 
a  Parts  sulphate  of  iron. 

Mix  into  balls  of  proper  size  and  place  in  drains,  sink-holes  and  cess- 
pools. 

Collins'  disinfecting  powder  is  made  by  adding  1  part  of  burnt  alum  to 
two  parts  of  chloride  of  lime.  Pour  on  water  to  thoroughly  wet  the 
mass,  and  set  in  shallow  pans  about  the  stable. 

The  following  is  a  powerful  disinfectant  • 

No.  221.  2  Pounds  common  ealt, 

1  Pint  oil  of  vitriol. 

Pour  the  oil  of  vitriol  gradually  and  slowly  over  the  salt,  and  the  act- 
ive disinfectant,  muriatic  gas,  will  be  evolved. 

The  following,  known  as  chloralum,  is  not  poisonous,  and  has  no  smell. 
To  make  it  take, 


5(Jg  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOR. 

No.  d22.  1  ^  Pounds  chloride  of  aluminum, 

1  Gallon  water. 
Dissolve. 

A  most  effectual,  powerful  and  cheap  disinfectant,  but  poisonous,  if 
taken,  is  made  as  follows  . 

No.  223.  8  Ounces  chloride  of  zinc, 

16  Ounces  sulphate  of  iron, 
1  Gallon  water. 
Dissolve. 

A  pint  mixed  in  a  gallon  of  water  will  be  quite  strong  enough  for  use. 
Xm.   Emetics  and   Expectorants. 

What  would  act  as  an  emetic  on  man,  would  be  simply  a  nauseant  with 
the  horse.  The  horse  does  not  vomit,  nauseants  act  to  loosen  a  cough, 
and  to  loosen  the  mucus  in  the  air  passages,  and  thus  facilitate  its  expul- 
sion. Nauseants  also  act  as  a  substitute  for  the  old  practice  of  bleeding. 
Tartar  emetic,  blood  root  and  sulphate  of  zinc  are  among  those  usually 
employed . 

Tartar  emetic. — ^Dose,  1  to  1  1-2  drachms,  in  connection  with  lobelia 
and  saltpeter. 

Blood  root. — Dose,  from  2  to  4  drachms  of  the  powdered  root. 

Sulphate  of  zinc. — Dose,  1  to  2  drachms. 

Tartar  emetic. — ^This  is  often  employed  in  connection  with  saltpeter 
and  lobelia.  Dose,  tartar  emetic  1  drachm ;  saltpeter  1  ounce ;  lobelia 
1  drachm. 

Xrv.    Narcotics,  Anodynes  and  Sedatives. 

These  run  one  into  the  other,  and  are  used  to  soothe  pain,  allay  the 
irritability  of  the  system,  and  quiet  excessive  nervous  action.  Narcotics 
quickly  quiet  the  system,  induce  sleep,  and  if  taken  largely,  produce 
death.  When  given  simply  to  allay  pain,  they  are  called  anodynes.  The 
action  of  a  sedative  is  to  lower  nervous  force,  reduce  the  pulse  and  abate 
febrile  symptoms,  especially  in  the  beginning  of  acute  inflammation. 

Narcotics. — Opium,  or  its  preparations,  laudanum  and  morphia,  bella- 
donna, tobacco  and  Indian  hemp. 

Opium  is  generally  given  as  a  tincture,  in  the  form  of  laudanum. 
Dose,  1  to  2  ounces. 

Morphia. — Dose,  3  to  5  grains. 

Belladonna. — Dose,  2  ounces. 

Indian  hemp. — The  dose  of  this  drug  1-2  to  1  drachm. 

Sedatives. — Aconite,  tincture.     Dose,  20  to  30  drops. 
Veratrum  vmde.— The  dose  of  this  is  1  scruple. 


THE    HORSE,    ITS    DISEASES.  50f 

XV.    Relaxants. 
These  deprive  the  muscles  of  their  power.     Of  this  class  lobelia  should 
be  given  in  doses  of  1  to  2  drachms. 

XVI.    Stimulants. 

These  are,  alcohol,  and  are  given  in  the  form  of  brandy,  whisky,  rum, 
gin  and  ale.  The  latter  when  an  animal  is  exhausted  by  hard  drivin<y. 
The  dose  of  brandy,  whisky  or  gin  is  3  to  6  ounces,  and  of  alcohol  1  to 
3  ounces  diluted  with  water.  Other  stimulants  are  :  ether,  dose,  1  to  2 
ounces  ;  carbonate  of  ammonia,  dose,  2  to  4  drachms  ;  turpentine,  dose, 
1  to  2  ounces  ;  and  ginger,  dose,  1  ounce.  The  ginger  to  be  given  as 
a  tea. 

Stimulants  are  used  when  it  is  necessary  to  quickly  raise  the  animal 
from  exhaustion.  In  nervous  exhaustion  its  effects  are  marked,  but  it 
must  not  be  given  in  inflammation  or  fever. 

XVn.  Tonics. 
Tonics  sharpen  the  appetite,  increase  the  nervous  vigor,  and  thus  im- 
prove the  condition  of  the  patient.  Many  horsemen  are  fond  of  giving 
condition  powders,  the  main  value  of  which  lies  in  the  alteratives  and 
tonics  contained.  In  this  they  suppose  that  they  are  beneficial  to  already 
healthy  animals.  Nothing  could  be  farther  from  the  truth.  They  are 
not  beneficial  unless  the  animal  is  out  of  condition  and  the  system  needs 
rallying.  To  get  the  best  effect  from  tonics,  they  should  be  given  in 
light  doses,  and  continued  for  a  considerable  time.  Then  intermit  for  a 
few  days,  and  if  necessary,  commence  again,  or  substitute  another  tonic. 
The  mineral  tonics,  sulphate  of  iron,  sulphate  of  copper  and  arsenic  are 
more  active  than  the  vegetable  tonics,  Peruvian  bark,  gentian,  quassia, 
«tc.,  though  often  the  two  forms  combined  act  with  greater  efficacy. 

XVin.    Vermifuges. 

These  are  medicines  supposed  to  be  useful  in  expelling  worms. 

For  round  worms,  common  salt,  to  be  licked  at  will,  is  one  of  the 
best  agents  to  expel  them.  Oil  of  turpentine  1  ounce.  Tartar  emetic  2 
drachms  and  sulphate  of  iron  2  drachms  ;  give  five  or  six  days  in  succes- 
sion, and  follow  by  a  purge.  Four  to  6  drachms  of  aloes  is  one  of  the 
best  direct  vermifuges. 

Tapeworm. — Oil  of  turpentine  1  ounce  doses  ;  or  root  of  male  shield 
fern,  1  ounce  of  the  extract.  Give  all  vermifuges  fasting,  and  at  the  end 
of  four  hours  give  a  purge  of  aloes.  For  weak  animals  give  areka  nut 
1  ounce. 

In  using  a  vermifuge  it  is  always  better  to  clear  the  bowels  before 
^ving  it,  and  in  case  the  worms  are  in  the  intestines  give  injections  as  well 


508  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 

as  a  purgative  by  the  mouth.  It  should  be  remembered  that  vermifugeo 
that  destroy  by  mechanical  irritation,  as  iron  filings,  pounded  glass,  etc., 
should  never  be  given. 

From  the  foregoing  the  action  of  the  different  classes  of  medicines  will 
be  learned.  Some  of  the  more  common  we  have  given  as  examples.  In 
the  vast  list  of  drugs  used  in  medicines,  and  which  are  drawn  alike  from 
the  animal,  vegetable  and  mineral  kingdoms,  and  some  of  them,  the  most 
valuable,  being  deadly  poisons,  must  not  be  given  in  too  large  doses >  the 
practitioner  cannot  be  too  careful  in  their  use.  The  doses  we  have  given 
in  this  chapter  are  from  medium  to  large.  If  there  is  any  doubt  in 
using  those,  especially  the  strong  poisonous  extracts  or  crystals  use  the 
smaller. 

There  are  really  but  few  medicines  out  of  the  large  list  that  are  of 
real  and  well  known  value  in  common  practice.  The  druggist  in  prepar- 
ing medicines,  uses  delicate  scales  and  weighs  accurately.  It  is  always 
better  that  they  compound  the  prescriptions  if  possible  ;  yet,  as  it  is  not 
always  convenient  to  seek  the  druggist,  especially  when  a  stock  of  medi- 
cines in  ordinary  use  is  kept,  it  is  better  to  have  a  pair  of  scales  and  a 
liquid  measuring  glass.  We  therefore  append  a  table  of  weights  and 
measures  as  used  by  veterinarians  : 

WEIGHTS    AND    MEASUBES. 
Apothecaries'  Weight. 

20  grains  make  1  ecruple, 

3  scruples  make  1  drachm, 
8  drachms  make  1  ounce, 

16  ounces  make  1  pound. 

Wine  Measure. 

60  minims,  or  dropti  make  1  drachm, 

8  drachms  make  1  ounce, 
16  ounces  make  1  pint, 

2  pints  make  1  quart, 

4  quarts  make  1  gallon. 

Sufficient  accuracy  in  fluid  measure  for  anything  not  violent  in  it» 
action,  will  be  the  following : 

60  drops,  or  1  tea-spoonful,  make  1  drachm, 
4  tea-spoonfuls,  or  1  table-spoonful,  make  )i  ounce, 
2  table-spooni^ils  make  1  ounce, 
1  wine-glassful  makes  2  ounces, 
1  tea-cupful  makes  4  ounces, 
1  tumblerful  makes  K  pint, 
1  tin-cupful  makes  1  pint. 

A  handful  of  flaxseed,  or  other  seed,  usually  innocent  in  their  nature, 
will  weigh  about  2  ounces ;  a  handful  of  leaves  of  dried  herbs  will  weigh 
about  1  ounce. 


THE    HORSE,    ITS   DISEASES.  509 

IX.    Importance  of  Symptoms. 

The  importance  of  understanding  symptoms  in  disease,  not  only  of  th« 
horse,  but  of  all  farm  stock,  is  generally  underrated  by  farmers  and  stock 
men,  and  yet  it  is  the  key  to  all  remedial  means.  Unfortunately,  dumb 
animals  cannot  tell  how  they  feel,  and  thus  the  practitioner  must  judge 
by  outward  signs,  which,  by  the  way,  are  pretty  ample  to  the  careful  ob- 
server. These  are  difficult  to  describe  in  print,  yet  they  have  been  so 
described  as  fully  as  possible  in  the  list  and  treatment  of  diseases.  ' 

Every  horse  owner,  and  especially  every  stock-raiser,  should  educate 
himself  to  understand  symptoms  in  such  diseases  as  he  must  necessarily 
have  to  deal  with.  This  will  not  be  found  difficult,  if  the  reader  will  use 
the  means  we  have  presented  in  this  work.  The  pulse  is  one  of  the  most 
important  agents  in  this  direction ;  through  this,  we  may  get  a  pretty 
accurate  indication  of  the  state  of  the  system  in  relation  to  fever,  ple- 
thora of  blood,  or  the  reverse.  It  cannot  well  be  described,  and  yet  it  is 
goon  learned  by  use  and  observation.  In  the  horse,  the  mouth  is  hot  and 
dry  in  fever,  and  moist  and  cool  in  health.  In  health  the  nose  of  the  ox 
is  especially  cool  and  moist,  and  in  fever  hot  and  dry.  The  full  or  small 
pulse,  depends  upon  an  excessive  quantity  of  blood  in  the  vessels  indi- 
cating a  full  or  a  weak  nutrition.  A  thready  or  wirey  pulse  is  indicative 
of  a  small  quantity  of  blood  in  the  vessels,  combined  with  an  increased 
or  diminished  contractibility  of  the  heart.  A  sluggish  or  oppressed  pulse 
will  indicate  unusual  fulness  of  the  vessels,  the  vital  powers  of  contract 
ibility  and  sensibility  not  being  increased,  or,  it  may  even  be  one  or  both 
of  them  being  diminished.  Among  the  internal  causes  operating  on  the 
pulse  are  irritability  and  nervousness.  Outside  causes  are  temperature, 
other  atmospheric  causes,  and  manner  of  feeding.  The  stock  man  who 
will  habituate  himself  to  feeling  the  pulse  of  his  animals,  will  soon  come 
to  understand  how  slight  causes  will  sometimes  affect  this  agent,  and  thus 
will  soon  learn  to  detect  disease,  often  by  this  indication  alone.  This  and 
attention  to  the  outward  symptoms  we  have  given  in  diseases  enumerated, 
will  soon  enable  him  to  dispense  with  the  services  of  the  practiced  veter- 
inarian, except  in  critical  cases. 

XX.    Dissection. 

If  a  farmer  would,  when  an  animal  is  sick,  in  addition  to  attending  to 
■tudying  the  symptoms  as  they  appear,  take  the  trouble,  in  case  it  dies, 
to  open  it,  with  a  view  of  studying  the  altered  structure,  knowing  as  he 
may,  how  they  look  in  health,  this  would  assist  him  greatly  in  under- 
standing disease  generally ;  for  by  this  means  he  may  find  just  when  and 
how  the  parts  affected  are  changed.  He  will  thus,  also,  come  to  understand 
the  importance  of  good  care  and  nursing  in  the  prevention  and  elimination 
«f  disease,  more  fully  than  by  any  other  one  means. 


^IQ  ILLUSTRATED  STOCK  DOCTOB. 

XXI.    Surgical  and  Other  Instruments. 

With  all  our  care  it  is  necessary  to  meet  disease  and  accidents  wheii 
thev  come,  and  to  this  end  we  must  be  provided  at  least  with  a  few  sim-' 
pies,  and  the  means  of  arriving  at  quantities. 

To  this  end  we  have  advised  the  purchase  of  a  pair  of  scales  to  weigh 
orains.  drachms,  ounces  and  pounds  ;  certain  surgical  instruments,  also, 
and  a  small  store  of  the  medicines  such  as  are  in  common  use. 

In  the  horse  stable  a  balling  iron  should  be  kept.  This  is  an  iron  ring 
through  which  the  closed  hand  may  be  passed  :  on  the  top  and  bottom 
are  two  bars,  which  placed  between  the  front  of  the  jaws  enable  the 
mouth  to  be  kept  open  while  the  hand  passes  the  ball  of  physic  to  the 
root  of  the  tongue.  Sponges  of  several  sizes  should  also  be  kept.  A 
roomy  nose-bag  and  an  atomizer  will  be  useful.  The  little  India  rubber 
bottle  with  which  the  wife  sprays  her  plants,  will  answer  very  well  in 
place  of  a  better,  for  spraying  the  external  surfaces. 

Means  for  giving  injections  should  be  procured.  This  may  be  the 
regular  horse  or  cattle  syringe,  though  the  pail  and  India  rubber  pipe, 
described  in  another  part  of  the  volume,  will  be  found  simple  and 
effectual . 

A  drenching  horn  or  bottle  is  another  implement  that  should  not  be 
neglected.  A  probang  should  always  be  kept.  A  trocar  will  be  found 
useful  in  case  where  the  stomach  is  to  be  punctured  to  permit  the  escape 
of  gas.  A  knife  will,  however,  answer  in  its  place  ver}'  well,  if  the 
blade  be  sufficiently  long  and  pointed.  An  outfit  larger  or  smaller  accord- 
jug  to  the  necessities  of  the  stock  owner,  may  be  bought  in  any  store 
where  surgical  instruments  are  kept,  and  in  fact  in  any  of  the  larger  drug 
stores  of  cities. 

A  convenient  one  which  we  have  used  contains :  1 .  A  blunt-pointed 
bistoury-,  an  instrument  for  making  incisions.  When  only  one  is  to  be 
used  we  recommend  the  slightly  curved  form,  with  the  sharp  edsre  on  the 
inside - 

2.  Thumb  lancet.  We  are  opposed  to  the  old  time  fleam.  It  seems 
to  have  been  invented  for  ignorant  persons  ;  certainly  none  such  should 
ever  operate,  even  on  an  animal.  A  little  judgment  will  soon  enable  the 
operator  to  use  the  lancet  properly  and  with  effect,  gaugmg  the  depth 
properly  to  which  the  puncture  is  to  be  made.  It  is  better  than  the 
spring  lancet. 

3.  A  spring  forceps,  most  valuable  in  dressing  wounds,  catching 
arteries  for  tying,  for  removing  foreign  substances  in  wounds,  and  for  a 
variety  of  other  purposes. 

4.  An  aneurismal  needle — a  long  blunt  needle.  It  can  be  used  as  s 
probe  and  for  introducing  small  setons. 


THE   HORS£,    ITS    DISEASES.  511 

5.  A  silver  probe,  for  exploring  wounds.  It  is  blunt  at  one  end  and 
sharp  at  the  other,  and  is  indispensable. 

6.  A  frog  knife,  a  narrow  straight  blade,  sharply  curved  into  a  strono- 
edged  hook  at  the  end,  and  used  for  paring  and  cleaning  the  frogs  of  the 
hoofs,  etc. 

7.  A  pair  of  curved  scissors,  for  trimming  the  edges  of  wounds,  ex- 
cising ragged  flesh,  clipping  the  hair,  and  for  other  purposes. 

8.  A  straight,  broad  scalpel  (knife),  used  in  dissecting,  opening  ab- 
scesses, castrating,  and  various  other  surgical  operations.  Any  straight, 
broad-bladed,  keen-edged  knife  will  do.  In  castrating,  however,  we 
have  always  preferred  a  round-pointed  blade,  similar  to  that  used  by 
Kiurserymen  in  budding. 

9.  A  seton  needle  for  threading  and  introducing  tapes  or  other  setons. 

10.  A  few  surgical  needles,  white  thread  and  silk,  or  better,  thin  cat- 
gut. These  may  all  be  carried  in  a  neat  morocco  case  made  for  the 
purpose,  and  can  be  afforded,  wholesale,  at  ten  dollars.  (In  fact  we  wiU 
send  them  at  that  price,  delivered  with  this  book.) 

XXH.    Medicines  to  be  Kept,  and  Doses. 

The  following  drugs  will  be  found  handy.  Keep  everything  in  white 
bottles,  well  corked.  Corrosive  substances  must  have  ground  glass 
stoppers.  The  druggist,  if  so  instructed,  will  arrange  things.  Quanti- 
ties  of  these  to  be  kept  should  be  about  ten  doses  each.  1  dose  is: 

1.  Acetic  acid — Antidote  to  acids,  cooling  astringent.  Horse,  1  drachm  ; 
ox,  2  drachms  ;  sheep,  1  scruple. 

2.  Tincture  of  aconite. — Sedative,  diaphoretic.  Horse,  20  to  30  drops  ; 
ox,  30  to  40  drops  ;  sheep,  3  to  5  drops. 

3.  Alcohol. — Stimulant,  diuretic,  narcotic.  Horse,  1  to  3  ounces  ;  ox, 
3  to  6  ounces  ;  sheep,  1-2  ounce.     Locally,  cooling  astringent. 

4.  Barhadoes  aloes. — Purirative.     Horse,  4  drachms. 

5.  Ahnn. — Astringent.  Horse,  2  to  3  drachms  ;  ox,  3  to  4  drachms  ; 
sheep,  1-2  to  1  drachm. 

6.  Ammonia,  liquid. — Diffusible  stimulant,  anti-spasmodic,  anti-acid, 
diuretic.       Horse,  1-2  ounce  :  ox,  1-2  to  1  ounce  ;  sheep,  1-2  to  1  drachm. 

7.  Carbonate  of  ammonia. — Diffusible  stimulant,  anti-spasmodic, 
anti-acid,  diuretic.  Horse,  2  to  4  drachms  ;  ox,  4  to  6  drachms  ;  sheep, 
12  to  1  drachm. 

8.  Anise  seed,  caraicay,  cardamon,  fennel  seed. — Stomachic,  carmina- 
tive.    Horse,  1  ounce  ;  ox,  1  to  2  ounces  ;  sheep,  2  to  4  drachms. 

9.  Arnica  tincture. — Stimulant,  diuretic.  Horse,  1  drachm  ;  ox,  1 
drachm  ;  sheep,  1  scruple. 

10.  Asafcptida. — Diffusible  stimulant,  carminative,  vermifuge.  Horse, 
2  drachms ;  ox,  4  drachms ;  sheep,  1-2  to  1  drachm. 


512  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK  DOCTOR. 

11.  Bahamof  Peru. — Stimulant,  antispasmodic,  expectorant.  Horse, 
1  ounce  ;  ox,  1  to  1  1-2  ounces ;  sheep,  2  drachms. 

12.  Borax. — Nerve  sedative,  uterine  stimulant.  Horse,  2  to  6  drachms  ; 
ox,  1-2  to  1  ounce ;  sheep,  1-2  to  1  drachm. 

13.*  Blackberry  root. — Astringent.  Horse,  2  to  4  drachms ;  ox,  1-f 
ounce  ;  sheep,  2  scruples. 

14.  Camphor. — Antispasmodic.  Horse,  1  to  2  drachms ;  ox,  2  to  4 
drachms ;  sheep,  1  scruple. 

15.  Carbolic  acid. — Sedative,  anodyne,  astringent,  antiseptic,  disin- 
fectant.    Horse,  1-2  to  1  drachm ;  ox,  1  drachm ;  sheep,  10  drops. 

16.  Cherry  bark,  wild. — Expectorant.  Horse,  1-2  ounce  ;  sheep,  2  to 
3  scruples. 

17.  Copaiva.  —  Stimulant,  diuretic,  expectorant.  Horse,  2  to  4 
drachms  ;  ox,  3  to  4  drachms ;  sheep,  1-2  to  1  drachm. 

18.  Cream  of  tartar. — Diuretic.  Horse,  1  ounce ;  sheep,  4  to  6 
drachms.  Laxative ;  horse,  5  ounces ;  ox,  5  to  8  ounces,  sheep,  1  to  2 
ounces. 

19.  Ergot. — Checks  bleeding,  parturient.  Horse,  1-2  to  1  ounce  ;  ox, 
1  ounce  ;  sheep,  1  to  2  drachms. 

20.  Iron,  peroxide. — Tonic.  Horse,  2  to  4  drachms  ;  ox,  4  drachms  ; 
sheep,  1  drachm.     An  antidote  to  arsenic. 

21.  Lime,  chloride. — Checks  tympany,  disinfectant.  Horse  2  to  4 
drachms  ;  sheep,  1  to  2  drachms. 

22.  Linseed  oil. — Laxative.  Horse,  1  to  2  pints;  ox,  1  to  2  quarts; 
sheep,  1-2  pint. 

23.  Lobelia. — Sedative,  antispasmodic,  expectorant.  Horse,  1  to  2 
drachms  ;  ox,  1  to  3  drachms  ;  sheep,  15  grains ;  swine,  5  to  15  grains. 

24.  Mallow. — Demulcent.     Give  freely  of  cold  infusion. 

25.  Mentha  piperita  (^peppermint). — 30  to  60  drops. 

26.  Oak  bark. — Astringent.  Horse,  1  ounce;  ox,  2  to  4  ounces; 
sheep,  4  drachms. 

27  Olive  oil. — Laxative.  Horse,  1  to  2  pints ;  ox,  2  to  3  pints ; 
sheep,  3  to  6  ounces. 

28.  Opium. — Narcotic,  sedative,  anodyne,  antispasmodic.  Horse,  1-2 
to  2  drachms  ;  ox,  2  to  4  drachms  ;  sheep,  10  to  20  grains. 

29.  Opium,  tincture  laudanum. — Narcotic,  sedative,  anodyne,  anti- 
spasmodic. Horse,  1  to  2  ounces  ;  ox,  2  ounces  ;  sheep,  2  to  3  drachms. 
Of  the  powdered  drug,  give :  horse,  1-2  to  2  drachms ;  ox,  2  to  4 
drachms  ;  sheep,  10  to  20  grains. 

30.  Pepper,  black. — Stomachic,  stimulant.  Horse,  2  drachms  ;  ox,  3 
drachms  ;  sheep,  1  to  2  scruples. 

31.  Pumpkin  seeds. — Vermifuge,  taeniafuge.     Horse,  1  pint. 


THE   HORSE,  ITS   DISEASES.  5VJ 

32.  Rhubarb. — Laxative,  tonic.    Horse,  1  ounce ;  ox,  2  ounces ;  sheep, 

1  drachm. 

o3.  Resin. — Diuretic.  Horse,  4  to  6  drachms;  ox,  1-2  to  1  ounce; 
sheep,  2  to  4  drachms. 

34.  Soap. — Diuretic,  antacid,  laxative.    Horse,  1  to  2  ounces ;  sheep, 

2  to  6  drachms. 

35.  Silver  nitrate  {lunar  caustic). — Nerve  tonic.  Horse,  5  grains; 
ox,  5  to  8  grains ;  sheep,  1  to  2  grains. 

36.  Sioeet  spirits  of  niter ^  Spirits  of  nitrous  ether. — Stimulant,  anti- 
spasmodic, diuretic,  diaphoretic.  Horse,  1  to  2  ounces ;  ox,  3  to  4 
ounces  ;    sheep,  3  to  6  drachms. 

37.  Tobacco. — Sedative,  antispasmodic,  vermifuge.  Horse,  4  drachms  ; 
ox,  4  to  6  drachms ;    sheep,  1  drachm. 

38.  Tar. — Expectorant,  antiseptic.  Horse,  1-2  to  1  ounce ;  ox,  1-2 
to  2  ounces  :    sheep,  1-2  ounce. 

39.  Turpentine  oil. — Stimulant,  antispasmodic,  diuretic.  Horse,  1  to 
2  ounces  ;  ox,  1  to  1  1-2  ounces  ;  sheep,  1  to  2  drachms.  Vermifuge  : 
Horse,  2  ounces  ;    ox,  2  to  3  ounces  ;  sheep,  4  drachms. 

40.  Valerian. — Diffusible  stimulant,  antispasmodic,  vermifuge.  Horse, 
2  ounces ;  ox,  2  to  4  ounces  ;  sheep,  1-2  ounce. 

41.  Wild  cherry  hark. — Expectorant.  Horse,  1  ounce;  ox,  1  1-2 
ounces  ;  sheep,  3  arachms. 

42.  Zinc,  sulphate. — Astringent,  tonic.      Horse,  1  to  2  drachms  j   ox, 

2  to  3  drachms ;  sheep,  15  to  30  grains. 

XXIII.    Oraduating    Doses. 

In  the  administration  of  medicines  the  following  statement  of  ages  and 
doses  will  be  found  valuable  in  determining  quantities.  The  doses  men- 
tioned in  the  preceding  list  being  full  ones  : 

A  horse  of  3  years,  ox  2  years,  sheep  1  1-2  years  and  swine  15  months 
old,  should  have  a  full  dose. 

A  horse  15  months  to  2  years;  cattle  1  to  2  years,  sheep  9  to  18 
months,  and  swine  8  to  15  months,  1-2  of  a  full  dose. 

A  horse  9  to  18  months,  cattle  6  to  12  months,  sheep  5  to  9  months 
and  swine  6  to  8  months,  require  1-4  of  a  full  dose. 

A  colt  5  to  9  months  old,  calves  3  to  6  months,  lambs  3  to  5,  and  pigs 

3  to  6  months  old,  may  have  1-8  of  a  full  adult  dose. 

Colts  1  to  5  months  old,  calves  1  to  3  months,  lambs  1  to  3  months,  and 
pigs  1  to  3  months  old,  may  have  1-16  of  the  dose. 

Nervous,  excitable  animals  require  less  than  others.  The  continued 
use  of  medicines  renders  their  action  slow  and  decreases  their  power. 
The  influence  of  disease  also  checks  or  modifies  action.  In  diseases  of 
the  brain,  and  spinal  cord,  and  in  impaction  of   the   stomach,  doubl« 


514  ILLUSTRATED   STOCK   DOCTOR. 

quantities  must   sometimes  be  given,  while  in  low  fevers  one-half   th« 
usual  quantity  may  produce  evil,  and  sometimes  prove  fatal. 

As  a  rule,  anod}Ties,  narcotics,  sedatives,  stimulants  and  anti-spasmodios 
ma}'  be  repeated  once  in  four  hours  until  the  required  effect  is  produced. 

Twice  daily  ma}'^  be  given  as  the  rule  for  alteratives,  refrigerants,  tonics, 
diaphoretics  and  febrifuges. 

Emetics  should  be  repeated  every  five  or  ten  minutes  and  their  action 
induced  by  opening  the  mouth  and  irritating  the  throat  with  a  feather. 
If  the  animal  will  drink,  give  large  draughts  of  slightly  warm  water. 
Emetics  are  not  given  to  horses. 

Purgatives  should  not  be  given  the  second  time  until  the  first  has  had 
full  time  to  operate.  In  the  horse  not  before  36  hours  ;  cattle  and  sheep 
12  to  15  hours  ;  swine  in  7  to  10  hours. 

Draughts  of  tepid  water,  or  warm  gruel  assist  the  operation  of  purgatives. 

A  ball  is  not  to  be  made  round,  but  longer  than  it  is  wide  and  not 
larger  than  a  walnut  for  horse  or  ox.  It  must  be  small  enough  so  an 
animal  may  swallow  it  easily.  Balls  are  made  of  drugs  in  powders  mixed 
into  a  semi-solid  state  with  honey  or  molasses  and  linseed  meal,  and  cov- 
ered with  oiled  tissue  paper. 

Drenches  (liquid  medicines)  are  made  as  infusions,  with  warm  or  cold 
water,  or  as  decoctions  with  boiling  water.  Powdered  substances  not 
solvent  in  water  are  mixed  with  thick  gruel  or  mucilage. 

A  ball  is  best  given  with  the  aid  of  a  balling  iron.  This  has  been  pre- 
viously described.  Put  the  iron  between  the  front  of  the  jaws,  and  place 
the  ball  well  back  on  the  tongue  with  the  hand.  Hold  the  head  well  up 
until  swallowed.     This  may  be  aided  by  stroking  the  throat  next  the  jaws. 

Liquids  are  given  from  a  horn  or  thick  quart  bottle  with  a  pretty  long 
neck,  such  as  a  champagne  bottle.  No  liquid  or  irritating  medicine  should 
be  given  until  sufficiently  diluted  with  water  so  that  it  will  not  injure  the 
mouth  if  held  therein  some  minutes. 

Oil  of  turpentine,  croton  oil,  and  other  strong  irritating  substances 
that  will  not  mix  with  water,  should  be  mixed  with  palm  or  olive  oil, 
milk  beaten  with  eggs,  or  it  may  be  given  in  mucilage  as  the  case  may 
require. 

PoM-erful  agents,  that  do  not  irritate,  act  promptly  injected  under  the 
skin  with  a  hypodermic  s^nringe.  A  surgeon's  advice  should  be  used  in 
administering  them. 

Injections  are  given  with  a  horse  sjringe.  There  are  patent  injectors 
that  pump  in  the  liquid  continuously.  "We  have  described  an  implement 
that  works  well,  by  gra\'ity,  and  is  easily  made.  Small  syringes  are  used 
for  injecting  abscesses.  Also  the  hypodermic  syringe  for  injecting  under 
the  skin. 


CHAPTER  XX. 


IMPLEMENTS    AND    APPARATTTS. 


"Wliat  to  Keep,  and  How  to  Use  Them. 

Catheter. — This  is  a  round  gutta  percha  tube,  with  one  end  open,  the 
ather  rounded  and  near  the  end  with  two  openings.  Used  to  draw  away 
the  water  when  the  horse  is  unable  to  pass  it  naturall}'.  They  are  also 
introduced  into  deep  ulcers,  and  liquid  injected  through  them  by  means 
of  a  syringe.  In  using  the  catheter,  it  should  be  well  oiled  and  carefully 
awd  slowly  pushed  along  the  orifice  or  canal. 

Drawing  Tcnife. — Frog  knife.  The  knife  in  common  use  by  black- 
smiths ;  a  thin  blade  with  a  shaqDly-curyed  end  fixed  in  a  handle,  and 
used  in  cutting  into  and  paring  the  hoof. 

Firing  iron. — A  heayy,  blunt-edged  blade  fixed  in  a  handle,  and  some- 
times used  for  blistering  when  the  actual  cautery  is  considered  necessary. 
Valuable  in  skillful  hands. 

Forceps. — These  are  pincers  with  long  jaws,  and  used  for  extracting 
splinters,  pieces  of  bone,  or  for  seizing  arteries  in  order  to  tie  them  up. 

Knives. — These  should  be  always  keen  and  should  be  both  sharp  and 
round-pointed.  A  heayy  bistoury  is  a  long,  narrow-bladed  knife  for 
opening  deep  wounds  and  abscesses. 

Lancet. — These  are  of  three  kind  :  the  thumb  lancet,  the  spring  lan~ 
eet  and  the  fleam.  The  thumb  lancet  is  gauged  by  the  thumb,  the  spring 
lancet  by  a  spring,  and  the  fleam  is  struck  by  a  hard  wood  stick.  Always 
make  the  incision  lengthwise  of  the  vein. 

Ligatures. — Cords  for  t^ing  arteries,  and  in  t^ing,  a  surgeon's  knot 
should  be  used.  Instead  of  passing  the  end  of  the  cord  once  round  the 
other,  pass  it  twice  around  before  drawing  tight.     It  will  hold   securely. 

Probes. — These  are  made  of  silyer^\li'e,  with  the  ends  slightly  knobbed. 
They  are  useful  in  exploring  wounds. 

RoiceL — This  is  a  ring  of  leather,  an  inch  or  so  in  diameter,  the  rim 
33 


516  ILLUSTRATED    STOCK    DOCTOR. 

being  about  a  quarter  of  an  inch  wide.  It  is  wrapped  with  flax  or 
thread  moistened  with  turpentine,  and  pushed  down  into  a  pocket  made 
in  the  skin,  to  induce  a  running  sore.  They  are  little  used  now;  setons 
accomplishing  the  object  fully. 

Setons. — A  cord  or  ligature  of  leather  thrust  in,  under  and  out  of  the 
^kin,  and  tied.  It  is  soaked  with  turpentine  or  smeared  with  irritating 
compounds,  and  turned  every  day,  the  object  being  to  promote  and  keep 
up  a  discharge  of  pus,  and  reduce  inflammation. 

Seton  needles. — These  are  broad,  curved  blades,  with  a  round  shaft 
eighteen  inches  long,  and  with  an  eye  at  the  blunt  end.  Used  for  thread- 
ing setons  of  tape,  cord  or  leather  into  wounds  made.  Needles  for  sew- 
ing up  wounds  are  of  several  sizes,  curved,  square  needles. 

Tents. — These  are  pledgets  of  tow,  lint  or  other  substances  introduced 
into  wounds  to  cause  them  to  form  matter.  They  should  be  moistened 
with  Venice  turpentine. 

Twitch. — A  loop  of  leather  or  strong  cord,  fastened  securely  upon  a, 
stout  handle  two  feet  long.  Used  for  holding  refractory  horses,  or  dur. 
ing  surgical  or  other  operations.  Pass  the  upper  lip  through  the  loop, 
and  twist  until  sufficient  force  can  be  used  to  keep  the  animal  still. 

Hopples. — Ropes  for  casting  a  horse.  They  should  be  each  twenty- 
five  feet  long.  Have  two  strong  straps  of  leather  double,  with  a  two 
inch  seam  between,  and  so  they  may  be  buckled  tight  to  the  fetlock. 
Fasten  both  ropes  securely  to  the  bottom  of  a  collar  placed  on  the  horse's 
neck.  Or  if  the  rope  is  long  enough,  loop  the  middle  to  the  collar ; 
buckle  a  strap  securely  to  each  hind  pastern,  pass  the  ends  of  the  rope 
through  the  rings,  and  back  through  the  collar.  One  man  manages  the 
head  to  bring  the  horse  down  properly  and  easily,  while  assistants  pull 
forcibly  on  the  ropes  ahead.  A  horse  should  never  be  cast  except  upon 
a  thick,  soft  bed  of  straw  or  tan  bark.  If  it  is  simply  wished  to  hopple 
the  horse,  fasten  the  ends  of  the  rope  to  the  collar,  and  of  such  a  length 
that  the  horse  cannot  kick. 

Slings. — These  are  an  apparatus  to  suspend  a  horse's  weight  in  case  of 
fracture,  rheumatism,  or  other  diseases  when  the  animal  cannot  bear  full 
weight  on  the  limbs.  First  a  broad  strip  of  leather  or  strong  canvas  two 
feet  wide  and  six  or  seven  feet  long,  stiffened  at  the  ends  by  being  sewn 
around  smooth  billets  of  wood.  To  this  a  breeching  is  attached  to  pass 
around  the  buttocks,  and  others  to  and  about  the  breast,  to  hold  it  se- 
curely. Loops  must  be  fastened  to  the  billets  at  the  ends  of  the  girdle  of 
sufficient  strensfth  to  bear  the  weight  of  the  animal.  Double  blocks  and 
pulleys  are  attached  to  these,  suspended  at  proper  points,  and  thus  the 
animal  is  lifted  and  suspended  so  as  to  bear  much  or  little  weight  on  his 
limbs. 


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